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ISAAC COK,* M.D. 


FOUNDER OF SABBATH SCHOOLS IN INDIANAPOLIS 
ELDER, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1823 TO 1853 


(From portrait painted by the order of the First Presbyterian Church Sabbath 
School, for the Semi-Centennial Sabbath School celebration, April 6, 





; ene OF PRI NCES 
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1823 ~ 1923 


CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


IPRS IE eRe ee Ween (Gia lUUR Ciel 
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 


A record of the anniversary services, 
June tenth to seventeenth, 1923, cel- 
ebrating the one hundredth anni- 
versary of the founding of the First 
Presbyterian Church, together with 
historical material, session records, 
sermons, addresses and correspond- 
ence relating to its life and work 
during the century. 


CopyriaHt 1925 
THe First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


PRESS OF THE 
WM. MITCHELL PRINTING CO. 
GREENFIELD, IND. 


To THE Ministers WHO Have LED aNnp INSPIRED, 
To THe Orricers WHO Have Wisety DirEcTED 
AND 
To THE UNNAMED Many WHo THROUGH THE YEARS Have BEEN 
FAITHFUL IN SERVICE, IN PRAYERS, AND IN GIFTS 


In Gis Name 


TH1s VOLUME IS GRATEFULLY DEDICATED BY THE 
PRESENT MEMBERSHIP 


CONTENTS 


UGE WOLKG iierecslacrercckesssonlbccbedosucceauesastucustans enpunUcekev cle wbektavi teet#atenscaeir ina en tenes Uaamannnane vf 
CHAPTER I 
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 
Hahn ae shy Coin CO) + We LoepenenPobe er Ma aene Renee Yet ay Meher eer pr menn cog then oem tst bo bulge 9 
PROGRAMS AND ADDRESSES 
Programs of (Centennial: We66K) s...cs..c01c.¢-scentevecdassuchise clescs eneestse thr stitaren ene 1B! 
Prayer—The Rev: M. li. Haines, D. Da wiki ii desagertocnpecs nivevactpeucwentaomesesetee 15 
Sermon—The Heritage of a Century—The Rev. Matthew F. 
Smithy De Dis ak cosc heresies ORG tare tern Meee ee | 
Greetings from: City of Indianapolis by Mr. Louis Howland ................ 30 
Presbytery of Indianapolis by the Rev. Geo. W. 
Allison’ 2.22.55 ee a eee eee ee ee 34 
Church Federation of Indianapolis by the Rev. 
Charles: HH: Winters) Dil Die ne eee 36 
Address—-Mr.."Thomas, GC! Day cect eee ee ee 38 


Historical Address—Looking Backward—The Rev. M. L. Haines, D. D. 42 
Some Women of the First Church in the Highties—Mrs. John H. 


FOV AY csi Siicees susie cucsa nee conececev eaten ce) Ante ened CO ELORET, Secaee Satrae ae meer 64 
An Early Mission—Mrs. William Watson Woollen ...............cccccccceccceeeeees 68 
Dr,-Isaac Coe—Mr, Henry (Coe: Sickel sir iacscce cores tetsecceett se ees ene wo 
Personalities Influencing the Life of the First Presbyterian Church 

——Miss Elizabeth Moreland) Wisi ard. ccccesecseec-csestes sed seseesssecese essteeeeoeane 
Address in Presentation of Bronze Memorial Tablet—Mr. Albert 

BB ROM i iecacclivs loavsc ceboccenloscc sovactecaheddeeetoedenst treet ore stearate Narn en mee enn ge 91 
Response to Presentation Address—Mr. Irving Williams ..................... 93 
The Roll of Our Defenders (World War) 1917-1918 ou... eee eee 95 
The 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Union Sabbath School........ 96 
List of Centennial Gitta rye econ ct ete eee e arene, Se ene ee 97 
Centennial Bazaar (Committees )7i...4.1 ccc 98 
Program of Centennial Concerts. 4.0..4: eee 100 
The One Hundred and Thirty-fifth General Assembly ...........00.c......cccee 102 
Address in Presentation of Gavel to Moderator—The Rev. M. L. 

FHAIN68) Do Diiseminyccccececeuecndcsceebecnsteeeetan setnche cots tee ceat dene teen ee 106 


CHAPTER II 
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS 
The Woman’s Missionary Society—Mrs. John H. Holliday and Mrs. 
William: Watson (Woollenmi eae ee ee ee 111 
The Young Women’s Missionary Society—Mrs. Julia Haines Mac- 
Donald, Miss Gertrude J. Baker and Miss Flora McD. Ketcham 114 
The Chapter and Circle of Westminster Guild—Mrs. Will H. Adams 115 


The Woman’s Auxiliary—Mrs. Hugh H. Hanna, Jr. oocee...ccccceccsescccceceseseee 115 
The Men’s, Club) ors Ais caeecs bstorer ee, ee ee 118 
The: Christian>Endeavor: Society ¢2. eee 118 


CHAPTER III 


The Eldership of the First Presbyterian Church—William N. 
Wishard 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER IV 
TPNEHIZGARL AE ILLY,) ¥ CATS=—— MEP IACOD ih UTD ideas secs con ccaspncdgvorsvetersotensesedess 167 
(Roster of Officers and Organizations of the Church—July, 1923)...... 183 
CHAPTER V 
Historical Sermon—The Rev. J. Howard Nixon, D. D. ...... eee 185 
CHAPTER VI 
EARLY SABBATH SCHOOL HISTORY 
BEET ry LESLEY PC LLOO Le rrr ee eres ce clontcctaptade iu cateohesteeeetslactetc tees statonctes 205 
Early Sabbath School Efforts in Indianapolis—James M. Ray ............ 206 
THSZSLALE LSUNAAY SCHOO OrezaniZatian circ sechaw besa eel nedeces ccavlwocsesesseseoeanons 213 
Roll of Officers and Scholars of the Sunday School, January 1, 1872 222 
The Semi-Centennial Sunday School Celebration, April 6, 1878 ............ 224 
Sabbath School Fourth of July Celebration, (1829, 1846) 0.0.0... 254 
Hecoliections: of Mrs. Julia MOOres sbi cade steccceccs bv h igen coesth sd dedesda caste 258 
Recollections Of Mrs. Jane. MiB Stam yisics iivccccccheccaccehsiseliccdecsucteceinevecorss 260 
CHAPTER VII 
Historical Discourse—The Rev. JameS Greene ooicececc cc ccccesccesccescescceseeeses 262 


CHAPTER VIII 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MINISTERS 


The Rev. James Greene—Mr. John H. Holliday oo... ccc ceeseceeeenceee 286 
The Rev. George Bush—Mr. Jacob P. Dunn... cece ceeceseceeseesseesceeceees 288 
The Rev. John R. Moreland—Mr. Jacob P. Dunn 2.0... ee ceeeseeceeeeeees 292 
The Rev. John A. McClung, D. D.—Mr. Jacob P. Dunn ................. ce. 295 
PIE SLOVO DINCAS: LC TUIPlOV, Lib Loe eacoctss Lcsunc test ov ties oe shun decesdaesoasoe Wichocasetareedes 297 
RLY Bei eis ir eS TET) LOT LI an eee c eas cee ee ae kes cederewt, caueabaten a wee be 300 
CHAPTER IX 
Records of the Session, First Presbyterian Church (1823—1831).......... 303 
CHAPTER X 
Brief History of the Presbyterian Church in Indiana—The Rev. John 
MSR DICK OV een et ee eh On Aae DSO UOL IE y TCL Se mUEe EA: Ae A Ea uA 377 
Extracts from Records of the Rev. Isaac Reed ou... cece seesceeeseeeeees 397 
CHAPTER XI 
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND EDUCATION 
AM TES Lips gd apd LOAM OF pal gt Cates iy a ELSE ANS aI Pade ae RG ad Bs iMag a eed ne AR 407 
The Indianapolis Academy—Mr. Jacob P. Dunn... ceecccseeeee ones 408 
The Axtell School and McLean Seminary—Mr. Jacob P. Dunn ............. 409 
Bequests to Colleges 
Bearest oLeMr Parry MMS aM ea 5 Wiccceiels 5s Cone ccc eak Leech cs bo cea ee 410 
BECNCSL Ok Mil LAC VG CBEST este crc csc naan ues ehcesscalatsccbucatebel econ caveay 411 


Americanization of Foreigners | 
The Immigrants’ Aid Association (Tribute to Mr. John H. Holli- 
Gaveby sroreign-born = Residents) ic eee eee en ee ea 412 
The Cosmopolitan Mission—Mrs. T. C. Dayunn...eecc cc cccccccccssssececcececsevecs 413 
CHAPTER XII 


MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS 


Samuels Merrill MT.) aCODe ba UUnN ss te mete ee re ee eed ee eee 414 
Manele andes——-Mre Jaco. HARUN bacscdecc. tertsstees hist ola deichis haras chicocrlicclesna 415 
OAL PV LIOLULGLS fo hs lass hat ce Leese de Cert heres kote epad te ebed A tert eh ede tee nn bee 417 
Dists or Ministers; Officers, > Mem Bers i 2ichicsecoctcs cles cces hab eroelecdledoecsasblecse 422-435 


PUES IXLEeGN LN LCORLUrY eM arty TaOM ne rea nee eet GB ee 436 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


LD} hid EE Onk Wet: Re SD ER AS cored Grado Wy sli eneaGy. Frontispiece 


Facing page 


Reproduction of Cover of Centennial Week Program......... 10 
Dr? Haines,’ Dr. Smith. so). 3 eis im ole eepeaetstetn soem ee 16 
Miss Holliday; Corner Stone Laying, Present Church Building 56 
Elders of First Presbyterian Church, = 7.00 (he. gee 124 
Benjamin Harrison Memorial Window............--+++++++: 140 


Elders of First Presbyterian Church (continued)... .148-160-164 


Anditorium: of* Present Buildinogiy Gee ee 178 
Auditorium of Present Building (pulpit, organ, choir)....... 182 
Centennial Summer Group of Sabbath School, 1923.......... 184 
Exteriors of the Four Church Buildings.................... 186 
Historie. Pulpit) Chairs 4°55. ¢ eae ne ee 194 
Cards of ‘Union, Sabbathsochool sy. tue og ee 210 
Caleb Seudder’s Cabinet, Shopa a. vaca it cn ee 240 
Home’ of ‘Dr: Tsaae’ Coe. ty, cee ie ee tre ae eee ee 256 
Auditorium and Sabbath School Room of Third Building... .278 
Dr. Gurley, Dr. Nixon, Dr. Kumler, Mr. Reed.............. 298 
Copy of First Document Relating to Presbyterianism in | 
Indianapolis cae ccc ee eee ee ee iiss cadens Say oe 302 
A Group of First Church Ministers and Supplies........... 308 


Harly Ministers, Educators, and Samuel Merrill, Daniel Yandes, 


Group of Sabbath School Officers, Teachers and Scholars, 1921. 


FOREWORD 


On the 3rd day of January, 1922, the session of the First 
Presbyterian Church appointed a committee to make preparation 
for the appropriate celebration of the One Hundredth anniver- 
sary of the church, which was to occur the following year. 

It was the judgment of the committee that a rather complete 
memorial volume should be published shortly after the formal 
celebration and made available to the congregation and general 
public. 

The committee requested the Rev. Matthias L. Haines, D. D., 
Pastor Emeritus, and Mr. Evans Woollen, an elder in the church, 
to have full supervision of the preparation and publication of such 
a volume. Dr. Haines and Mr. Woollen asked that Mr. Jacob P. 
Dunn,* former state librarian, be associated with them in this 
work, on account of his wide knowledge and experience as a his- 
torian. Mr. Dunn advised that, in the main, the anniversary 
volume be devoted to the publication of the sources of the history 
of the church. This policy was adopted and accounts for the 
inclusion of the early session minutes, historical discourses, cor- 
respondence, ete. The use of these old documents, unmutilated, 
explains any repetition of the historical narrative and also the 
absence of uniformity in style, capitalization, punctuation, etc. In 
this connection, special acknowledgment is made of the valuable 
services of Mr. Dunn in discovering and arranging the older man- 
uscripts for publication, and in writing a sketch covering the last 
fifty years of the history of the church. 

It is probable that errors of omission and commission have 
crept in here and there, in spite of much careful effort to elim- 
inate them. We are greatly indebted to the Misses Anna and 
Lucia Sickels for days of patient toil in copying documents, for 
editing, and for correcting proof. | 

This volume is placed in the hands of the reader with the hope 
and prayer that it may reveal something of the joys and sorrows, 
the trials and rewards, that enter into a century of service for 
the Master and His Kingdom. 

Committee of Session, 
MatTrHew F. SmirH 
Marruias L. Harness 
Wiuuiam N. WISHARD 
Evans Woo.LLEN 
Henry C, SICKELS 


*Mr. Jacob P. Dunn died June 6, 1924. 
i 


‘Remember the days of old, consider the years of many genera- 
tions; ask thy father and he will show thee, thy elders and they 
will tell thee.’’—Deuteronomy 32:7. 


‘“As the fathers laid the foundations, so must the structure 
reared upon the foundations be conserved and carried forward to 
completion. We must not let the lamp go out which was lighted 
in the wilderness. * * *° 

“If, therefore, the Church be loyal to her Lord and to His 
truth, unswayed by any gusts of passion or by any spirit of polecy, 
holding right on her way, true to her charter and her commission, 
then there awaits her another century of success greater even than 
that which is past.’’ | 

Samuel J. Wilson, D. D., DL. D. 


CHAPTER I 


THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 


The year 1923 marking the centennial of both the first Sun- 
day School in Indianapolis and the organization of the First 
Presbyterian Church, it was determined to make fitting celebra 
tion of these anniversaries. The original Sunday School was or- 
ganized on April 6, 1823. It was the beginning of all Sunday 
School work in the city. The Sunday School of this church held a 
celebration of the anniversary on April 1, at the Sunday School 
hour. Nothing elaborate was undertaken but an historical sketch 
of our Sabbath School, and the work of its founder, Dr. Isaac Coe, 
and his associates was presented by Mr. Henry M. Dowling; Mr. 
Henry Coe Sickels gave reminiscences of Dr. Coe; children in the 
costumes of 1823 were represented—girls by Misses Dorothea and 
Alice Hanna and a boy by Master Harlow Hyde; and the school 
sang ‘‘Children of the Heavenly King’’ to the tune of Pleyel’s 
Hymn,—the quaint old air used a century ago. [The program of 
this Sunday School celebration will be found on page 96 of this 
memorial volume. | 

The centennial celebrations of the organization of the church 
were held during the week of June 10-17. In addition to the 
papers and addresses, delivered at the various meetings, which are 
reproduced herewith, there was provided, in the church parlors, 
through the efforts of Miss Anna Sickels, a continuous centennial 
display of church relics, portraits, and other objects of historical 
interest. Informal social gatherings were also held in the parlors, 
and the congregation lived for a week in the atmosphere of remin- 
iscenece and retrospection. In this, many friends from other 
churches and from the city at large participated, making the sea- 
son one of general historic interest. 

In response to formal invitations issued for the centennial, 


9 


10 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


letters and telegrams, bringing congratulations and good wishes, 
were received from friends in distant parts of the country. A tele- 
gram was received from the Rev. C. F. Wishart, D. D., Moderator 
of the General Assembly of 1923, conveying his felicitations, and 
giving assurance of his high hopes for the future of this church. 
Among letters received from former members were those from 
the Rev. John Dixon, D. D., Trenton, N. J., for more than twenty- 
four years one of the able secretaries of the Board of Home Mis- 
sions of the Presbyterian Church; Mr. Dwight H. Day, New York 
City, for seventeen years Treasurer of the Presbyterian Board of 
Foreign Missions; the Rev. William H. Bryce, D. D., Wooster, 
Ohio. Other letters were from the Rev. Louis W. Sherwin, D. D., 
pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, Oil City, Pa., formerly 
Assistant Pastor to Dr. Haines; Mrs. Emma H. Adams, Washing- 
ton, D. C., a daughter of the Rev. Phineas D. Gurley, D. D., former 
pastor of this church; the Rev. Melville B. Gurley, Assistant Pas- 
tor of the First Presbyterian Church, Germantown, Pa., commis- 
sioner to the 135th General Assembly at Indianapolis from the 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, North, a grandson of the Rev. Dr. 
P. D. Gurley; Mrs. Minnie Jewell Mermod of St. Louis, Mo., sister 
of Mrs. J. Howard Nixon; Mrs. William M. MecKelvy, Pittsburgh, 
Pa., daughter. of the Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, D. D., a former pastor. 
The outstanding event of centennial year, designed by the Cen- 
tennial Committee to commemorate our anniversary and a century 
of Presbyterianism in Indianapolis, was the entertainment of the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the U. 8S. A., in 
May, 1923, by the Presbyterian churches of Indianapolis, the First 
Church acting as host. The Assembly had not convened in In- 
dianapolis since the year 1859, and at its meeting in Des Moines 
in May, 1922, Dr. Smith, on behalf of the First Presbyterian 
Church, extended an invitation to hold its 1923 session in In- 
dianapolis. The invitation was accepted, and, in the early fall 
of 1922, the First Church turned its attention toward preparation 
for its two-fold undertaking the following year—the Church Cen- 
tennial celebration, and, in connection therewith, the entertain- 
ment of the General Assembly. (Further reference to the enter- 
tainment of the 135th General Assembly will be found on page 102.) 


1823 1923 


Oriteunial Werk 


June Tenth to Seventeenth 
Nineteen Twenty-three 


Che Hirst Yreshyterian Church 
of Judianapnlis 





The Rev. Matthew F. Smith, D. D. 
Pastor 


The Rev. Matthias L. Haines, D. D. 
Pastor Emeritus 


‘“*Remember the Days of Old’’ 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 11 


The reprint here given of the services of centennial week is fol- 
lowed by copies of the addresses and papers presented at those 
services. 

CENTENNIAL PROGRAMS AND ADDRESSES 
SUNDAY, JUNE TENTH 
11:00 A. M. 
Organ Prelude 
Doxology 
Invocation and Lord’s Prayer 
Gloria 
PAG SC) GALL OF ONER MAN OE) se hlettho as s-aty chia she oe Godfrey 
Responsive Reading—Selection 34 
Hymn 166—‘‘ Hark, Ten Thousand Harps and Voices’’ 
Scripture Lesson 
Prayer 
Dr. M. L. HAtmnss 
Offertory Duet—‘‘God Is My Strong Salvation’”’........ Berwald 
Mrs. Ropert W. BLAKE AND Mr. GLENN O, F'RIERMOOD 


Hymn 512—‘‘The King of Love, My Shepherd Is’’ 
Sermon—‘‘ The Heritage of a Century’’ 
Dr. MatrtHew F. Smita 

Prayer 
Hymn 658—‘‘O God, Beneath Thy Guiding Hand’’ 
Benediction 
Congregation remain standing for silent prayer 
Organ Postlude 

MONDAY, JUNE ELEVENTH 

7:45 P. M. 
AN EVENING OF GREETINGS 


Dr. WiuLi1AM Nites WISHARD, Presiding 
Organ Prelude 
Doxology 
Invocation Rev. JEAN S. MILNER 


12 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Quartet—‘‘O Wait Thou Still Upon the Lord”’............ Hyde 
Greetings from the City of Indianapolis 
Mr. Louis HowLanp 


Solo-— (OokRest: in the Lords? epee es ee eee Mendelssohn 
Mrs. Rospert W. BLAKE 


Greetings from the Presbytery of Indianapolis 
Rev. Grorce W. Auuison, Moderator 


Greetings from the Church Federation of Indianapolis 
Rev. CHarues H. Winners, Executive Secretary 


Hymn 300—‘‘I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord’’ 
Benediction 

Dr. MatrHew F. SmitH 
Organ Postlude 


TUESDAY, JUNE TWELFTH 
7:45 P.M. 


AN EVENING OF HISTORY 


Mr. T. C. Day, Presiding 
Organ Prelude 
Hymn 310—‘‘O Where Are Kings and Empires Now??’’ 
Scripture Reading 


Invocation 
Dr. MarrHew F. Smite 

Solo—‘ Just, (Be Glad (ge eee is nie Ue eee Galloway 
Mrs. Everett C. JOHNSON 

Address— 


Mr. T. C. Day 
Address—‘‘ Looking Backward’”’ 
Dr. M. L. Hanes 


Duet—‘‘ Whispering Hope 2s be oe hee aes Hawthorne 
Mrs. Everett C. JOHNSON AND Mrs. Ropert W. BLAKE 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 13 


Benediction 
Dr. M. L. HaAINnEs 
Organ Postlude 


THURSDAY, JUNE FOURTEENTH 
7:45 P. M. 


AN EVENING OF REMINISCENCE* 


Mr. Evans Woo..en, Presiding 
Organ Prelude 
Per OOMeLning UW NISPErsigin s cae ite wteres Redes a's Doane 
Mr. THos. R. KNox anp Miss DorotHy STEEG 
Invocation 
Dr. M. L. HAInss 


‘‘Some Women of the First Church in the Eighties’’ 
Mrs. JOHN H. Houuimpay 
Pleyel’s Hymn 419—‘‘ Children of the Heavenly King’”’ 
‘‘An Early Mission”’ 
Mrs. WinuiAM W. WOOLLEN 


Hymn 345—‘‘Blest Be the Tie That Binds’’ 
‘*Dr. Isaac Coe’’ : 
Mr. Henry Cor SICKELS 


‘*Personalities Influencing the Early Life of the First Pres- 
byterian Church’’ 


Miss EvizABETH MoRELAND WISHARD 


Reminders of Early Days (Fifty Stereopticon Pictures) 
Song—‘‘ Auld Lang Syne”’ 
Benediction 
Dr. MarrHew F. Smite 
Organ Postlude 


*Reminiscence Committee: Mr. Evans Woollen, Mrs. John H. Holli- 
day, Mrs. Wm. Watson Woollen, Mrs. Hugh H. Hanna, Sr., Mrs. Chapin 
C. Foster, Mrs. John R. Hussey, Miss Anna Sickels, Dr. Wm. N. Wishard, 
Mr. Henry C. Sickels. 


14 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


FRIDAY, JUNE FIFTEENTH 
7:45 P. M. 


ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AND DEDICATION OF ME- 
MORIAL TABLET 


Mr. AuMus G. RupDDELL, Presiding 


Organ Prelude 
Quartet—— ‘Americas hoy cua, tere John Philip Sousa 


Invocation 
Dr. M. L. HAINES 


Presentation of Bronze Tablet 
Mr. ALBERT BAKER 


Quartet—‘‘ Hear, (0 My People’ Gate cr sett Stevenson 
Response 
Mr. Irvine WILLIAMS 


Prayer of Dedication i 
Dr. MatrHew F. SmitH 


Duet—‘‘I Love. the: Lord 70 ee eee West 
Mrs. Ropert W. BuAKE AND Mr. GLENN O. F'RIERMOOD 


Quartet—‘ ‘Sweet: the ‘Moments’ >. 0.0) an ee Verdi 
Hymn 629—‘‘God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand’’ 
Benediction 

Dr. MatrrHew F. Suir 
Organ Postlude 


SUNDAY, JUNE SEVENTEENTH 
Morning Worship, 11:00 A. M. 


COMMUNION SERVICE 
Organ Prelude 
Doxology 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 15 


Invocation and Lord’s Prayer 
Gloria 
PATE Nea EIS CLIO VINO CIN GNCRS 41h, vel iis teres otern ele lanratsie Brackett 
Responsive Reading—Selection 33 
Seripture Lesson 
Hymn 58—‘‘Come, Holy Spirit, Calm My Mind’”’ 
Prayer 
EretLorvars UOT sof PAI yg DCIS Zw Be ipa hola shs erseet Andrews 
Reception of Members 
Hymn 345—‘‘Blest Be the Tie That Binds”’ 
Sacramental Address 
Dr. MatrHew F. SmitH 


Hymn 225—‘‘ When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’’ 
Administration of the Sacrament 

Prayer of Consecration 

Distribution of Elements 

Prayer of Thanksgiving 

Hymn—‘‘Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow’’ 
Benediction ; 
Congregation remain standing for silent prayer 
Organ Postlude 


CENTENNIAL SUNDAY, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
INDIANAPOLIS, JUNE 10, 1923 


Prayer, Rev. Marrutias L. Haines, D. D., Pastor Emeritus. 


Eternal God—our Heavenly Father—Who art not far from 
every one of us, help us now to realize Thy nearness. This is Thy 
house; make it unto each one of us as the very gate of Heaven that 
we may be enabled to say—truly God is in this place. Open the 
eyes of our understanding that we may have a clearer vision of 
Thyself in Thy glorious majesty and infinite wisdom and good- 
ness and redeeming love. 

Thou hast assured us that there is forgiveness with Thee. We 
ask that our transgressions may be forgiven. We pray that even 
where sin has abounded in our lives Thy grace may much more 


16 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


abound. We beseech Thee that Thou wouldst enable us to repent 
of everything evil, so that Thy pardoning love may cleanse and 
Thy redeeming grace may save us to the uttermost. 

Eternal God,—Who dost cause the outgoings of the evening as 
well as of the morning to rejoice, the night and the day are alike 
to Thee. Thou dost bring light out of darkness, and good out of 
evil and dost make even the wrath of man to praise Thee. In all 
Thy dealings with Thy children Thou dost rule and overrule to 
bring in ever more fully Thy kingdom of righteousness and peace 
and love. We praise Thee that as we look back we see how the 
darkness and the tribulations of past times have by Thy provi- 
dence been transmuted into means of good. Our fathers in the 
faith toiled and suffered not in vain for themselves or for us. 

What they sowed in tears we reap in joy. As we join in the 
services of this week and recall the story of the experiences of the 
years that are gone—we pray that we may discern Thy guiding 
hand in and through them all. May the celebrations of this anni- 
versary season not only enlarge our understanding but inspire our 
hearts to a fuller trust in Thee and a more loyal devotement of our 
lives to Thy service. Thou hast bestowed upon members of this 
ehurch an inheritance rich in privileges and blessings. Our fath- 
ers in the faith labored and we are entered into their labors. Truly 
the lines are fallen unto us in pleasant places, and we have a goodly 
heritage. We thank Thee for those who in past years have had 
part in the worship and work of the church and who haying run 
their race are now lifted up to higher realms of fellowship and of 
service. We pray, O God, that, seeing we are compassed about 
with so great a cloud of witnesses, we may run with patience and 
courage the race that is set before us. 


Grant that a double portion of their spirit may fall upon us. 
Help us to be faithful to the sacred trust Thou has committed to 
us— to finish the work Thou hast given us to do in our generation 
—and then in Thine own time—Thine own good time, open, we 
pray Thee, the gates and grant unto us an abundant entrance into 
the fellowship and the joys of the redeemed in Thy heavenly king- 
dom. And to Thy name we will give praise and love forevermore 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 


PASTORS OF FIRST 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 





REV. MATTHIAS L. HAINES, D. 


Pastor, 
Apr. 12, 1885—Nov. 1, 1920 
Pastor Emeritus 
Nov. 1, 1920— 





MATTHEW: EF. SMITH, D. D. 


Pastor, 
Nov. 20, 1921— 





THE HERITAGE OF A CENTURY 


CENTENNIAL SERMON, Rev. MarrHew F. Smiru, D.D., MINIsrer, 


First Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, delivered 
June 10, 1923. 


Text: Deuteronomy 32:7. ‘‘Remember the days of old, consider 
the years of many generations; ask thy father and he will 
show thee, thy elders and they will tell thee.’’ 

‘‘It is a noble faculty of our nature,’’ says Daniel Webster, 
‘‘which enables us to connect our thoughts, our sympathies, and 
our happiness with what is distant in place or time; and, looking 
before and after, to hold communion at once with our ancestors 
and our posterity. Human and mortal though we are, we are 
nevertheless not mere isolated beings without relation to the past 
or future. We live in the past by a knowledge of its history, by 
ascending to an association with our ancestors, by contemplating 
their example and studying their character; by partaking their 
sentiments and imbibing their spirit; by accompanying them in 
their toils; by sympathizing in their sufferings and rejoicing in 
their successes and their triumphs; we mingle our existence with 
theirs and seem to belong to their age. We become their contem- 
poraries, live the lives which they lived, endure what they endured 
and partake in the rewards which they enjoyed.”’ 

Our chief duty in life is to look ahead. The standing injunce- 
tion of God to the human race, through St. Paul, is expressed in 
these words: ‘‘Forgetting those things which are behind, and 
reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward 
the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’’ 

Yet we have a duty which we owe to the past. We should 
search out its secrets, exalt its virtues, praise its conquests, esteem 
its legacies, garner its fruitage, incorporate its wealth of thought 


17 


18 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


and experience, and transmit its good to our posterity, and in this 
way give it an earthly immortality. 

Have you ever been impressed by the very large place given in 
the Bible to the record of the history of God’s people? In this sa- 
ered account one historical book follows another. The Old Testa- 
ment opens with at least eighteen books of history. To be sure they 
are interspersed with codes of law, nevertheless the chief charac- 
teristic is history. The New Testament opens with five books of 
history, the Four Gospels and the Book of Acts, the history of 
Jesus Christ, and the history of His apostles. It is as though God 
recognized the importance of repeating the stirring deeds of the 
fathers to their children and their children’s children in order 
that they might thereby be provoked unto love and good works; in 
order that they might hold the heritage of their faith in greater 
esteem. 

The words of our text suggest a contrast between the days of 
old and the days in which we are now living,—between 1823 and 
1923. We can scarcely conceive, in these days of convenience and 
comfort, the hardships our ancestors endured and the labors they 
wrought in order to lay the foundations of our heritage. 

In an article which appeared in the Indianapolis News, Sep- 
tember 29, 1906, we catch a glimpse of the dangers and difficul- 
ties of travel in those early days. It is the story of the Rev. Isaac 
Reed, who came West in 1818 to do missionary work among the 
Presbyterians in this state. You will recall that he, with Rev. 
David Proctor, was present at the organization of this church, 
July 5, 1828. 

In the spring of 1826, Mr. Reed concluded to accept a call to a 
church in a town in the state of New York. The journey of over 
seven hundred miles was to be made with his wife and three chil- 
dren in a buggy. Of this experience, he writes: 

‘*It was Wednesday, the 31st day of May, when we left Indian- 
apolis and entered the woods on the road to Centerville in Wayne 
County. To a traveler with a wheel carriage in so new a road as 
this, through a country where the settlements are so few and dis- 
tant, some difficulties might be expected at any season of the year, 
but at present they are numerous and truly discouraging. The 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 19 


country is moist, the soil very rich and the road but partially cut 
out. Over the gullies and small streams log causeways had been 
made, but the high waters of the spring season had raised them 
and floated the logs in every direction, so that at these places the 
cut-out way was utterly impassable. The resort was to turn into 
the woods and choose some other place to venture into the waters 
and wet grounds till we were either beyond the entire causeway, 
or at least the raised part of it. Often at these places, and at 
others from the length of the places of deep mud, Mrs. Reed had 
to get out with the youngest child in her arms and the oldest walk- 
ing with her, and thus to make her way on foot, while I led the 
horse by the check rein, and frequently with the mud and water 
over the tops of my boots. 

‘‘In many places it appeared extremely doubtful when the 
horse went into deep places whether he would ever be able to come 
out. Thus, we travelled for three days, in one of whic’). starting at 
8 o’clock in the morning and travelling with the utm st diligence 
till sunset we made only thirteen miles. 

‘‘ Another day we were so belated that in order to reach a 
stopping place it was necessary to unhitch the hors’, leave the 
buggy in the road over night and ride to the stopping place on 
horseback. The time did not admit of delay. The horse was taken 
out, the things were left in the woods, a bit of carpet was thrown 
over the horse’s back, my wife with the infant child was seated on 
it and the two other children both before me. In this manner 
we pushed on and got to a house before it was quite dark. The 
fourth day in the afternoon we passed through Centerville, and 
stopped for the night at Richmond, Wayne County, a prosperous 
little place on the west fork of White River.’’ Mr. Reed and his 
wife and children were from May 3lst to July 22nd making the 
journey from Indianapolis to Moriah, Essex County, New: York.’’ 

It is with difficulty that we comprehend, in these days of fast 
trains, automobiles and airplanes, the time required in travel and 
the hardships and perils involved. All these toils and travels are 
part of the price paid by our fathers for the material and spiritual 
heritage which we now so freely enjoy. 

In 1828, the greater part of the area of what is now the city of 


20 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Indianapolis was a dense forest. Through the rainy season of the 
year the paths were almost impassable on account of mud. Ma- 
laria flourished in the lowlands. There was much sickness, pov- 
erty and hardship. Today, the forest has given place to field, 
park and garden. The muddy paths have been conquered by 
pavements. Malaria is almost unknown through the draining of 
the swamp lands. We have hospitals, convenient means of trans- 
portation, and a multiplicity of creature comforts. Look about, 
and on every hand we see evidences of our material heritage. The 
little hut in the forest with a crude shingle, announcing that a 
primitive store or shop was maintained there, has given way to 
the substantial city building and the department store. The little 
log cabin of the early settler has given place to the comfortable 
modern home with all its conveniences, surrounded by well kept 
grounds. But our chief concern is not a consideration of our ma- 
terial heritage, but rather an appraisement of the spiritual legacy 
which is ours from the past. ‘‘Ask thy father and he will show 
thee; thy elders and they will tell thee.’’ 

It is quite impossible in the brief hour at our disposal to go 
into details in appraising our spiritual heritage. We must be satis- 
fied with a restatement of some general propositions, in which our 
fathers believed, and upon which they took their stand: 

I. First of all, it goes without question that the motives of our 
forefathers, the makers of the American Republic, were domin- 
ated by their religious convictions. Many of the details of the 
early history of this nation, of this commonwealth and of this 
church are obscure, but of this one thing there is absolutely no 
uncertainty—the men who laid the foundations of the heritage 
of civilization and spiritual privilege which we enjoy, were, first of 
all, men of unwavering faith. | 

Rev. John Higginson, son of Rev. Francis Higginson, the first 
minister of Salem, Massachusetts, says: ‘‘If any man amongst us 
marks religion as twelve, and the world as thirteen, let such an one 
know he hath neither the spirit of a true New England man, nor 
yet of a sincere Christian.’’ There you have expressed in the 
briefest compass the attitude of the American pioneer toward re- 
ligion and moral idealism. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 21 


Among the early documents discovered by those seeking infor- 
mation and light on the early life of the pioneers of Indianapolis 
one hundred years ago, has been found a report of a committee 
charged with the responsibility of making arrangements for appro- 
priate Fourth of July celebration just a year previous to the date 
of the organization of this church. The whole tone of this report 
is so idealistic and uplifting that I am sure you will want me to 
read it. 


REPORT OF COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO ARRANGE FOR FIRST FOURTH 
OF JULY CELEBRATION IN INDIANAPOLIS, 1822* 


‘‘The committee to whom the inhabitants of Indianapolis and 
its vicinity assigned the duty of making arrangements for com- 
memorating the Independence of the United States, having had 
the subject under consideration, are of opinion, that if the day be 
observed at all as a memorial of the declaration of our indepen- 
dence, the exercises ought first in a public manner to express our 
gratitude to the Supreme Governor of Nations for the blessings 
of independence, civil and religious liberty which by His provi- 
dence we enjoy, and that the remaining exercises ought to be such 
as to cherish a spirit of patriotism and promote the interests of 
morality and religion, by whose influence alone under the Divine 
blessing we have reason to expect a continuation of our distin- 
guishing privileges. 

‘With these sentiments, the committee have appointed to begin 
the exercises with the worship of God and a sermon adapted to the 
occasion, to be followed by reading the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, Washington’s inaugural address when entering into office 
as first President of the United States under our present Consti- 
tution, and his farewell address; each of the readings to be accom- 
panied with appropriate prefatory remarks, and the whole con- 
cluded by prayer. 

‘“The preceding exercises have been assigned to those whom the 
committee consider suitable persons, and are to commence at ten 
o’clock, at the Governor’s Circle. 

‘“These are all the arrangements the committee have thought 
advisable to make in the present circumstances of the settlement, 


*See note page 435 


oe CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


and in inviting their fellow citizens to attend this commemoration 
of our independence, they do it in the hope that nothing, under 
these arrangements, will take place calculated to injure the repu- 
tation or morals of a place whose character is now forming. 


By order of the committee, 


ISAAC COH, Secretary. 
Indianapolis, June 28, 1822.’’ 
(Indianapolis Gazette, 
Saturday, June 29, 1822 
Volume 1, Number 15.) 


You will mark well the fact that the dominant note of this re- 
port is an acknowledgement of the goodness of God, provision for 
His worship on Independence Day, and the preservation of the 
morals and reputation of this community, then in its infancy. It 
is significant to observe that a host of thinking men in this day 
are of the opinion that we have wandered far from the traditions 
of our fathers, both politically and religiously. They are en- 
deavoring to lead us back through their utterances to this propo- 
sition, whole-heartedly subscribed to by our fathers, namely, that 
religion,—the worship of God—must be recognized as the domin- 
ant regulative factor in the life of a community or nation, if it is 
to be saved from decay and disintegration. 

II. There is a second proposition which is closely related to 
the first, and which has had a far-reaching influence upon the 
heritage of a century. The pioneers who came to this state shared 
with other pioneers, who built this nation, the belief that education, 
next to religion, is an indispensable factor in the building of char- 
acter. It is very interesting to note that quite early in the history 
of the capital city, the early pioneers were concerned over the 
question of the proper education of their children. An interesting 
sidelight on the intimate relation between secular and religious 
education in the early history of the First Presbyterian’ Church 
of Indianapolis, is gained from an advertisement in the Indian- 
apolis Gazette of November 21, 1826: 

‘“The trustees of the school attached to the Presbyterian’ meet- 
ing house give notice to the public that Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe, late 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 23 


principal of the Paris Academy, Paris, Kentucky, has taken charge 
of the school, and this day, with two assistants, commenced its in- 
struction and is expected to continue its permanent teacher. 

The prices of tuition are: 


Per Quarter 
Hor opelling -andmheadinein- clr devin ee ye a +l ve $2.00 
WVTILIN GS ATICMATILE MCL eric ieee arc) nent tea tetas be Varta, 2.90 
Geography, History and English Grammer........ 3.00 
Mathematics, Philosophy and the Languages...... 4.00 


For those scholars who attend less than a quarter, or un- 
steady, paying only for the time they attend, an advance of 20 
per cent will be charged. And to defray the expenses of fuel, and 
other conveniences for the school, 25 cents a quarter will be re- 
quired for the two first quarters of the year, commencing in No- 
vember, and 1214 cents a quarter for the two last. 

Isaac Coe, President, 
James Blake, Secretary, Indianapolis, November 6, 1826.’’ 


It should be remembered that James Blake and Ebenezer 
Sharpe, as well as Dr. Coe, were early elders in the First Presby- 
terian Church. 

It is a far ery from the days of that little academy in the Pres- 
byterian meeting house, nearly one hundred years ago, to the 
splendid educational system of our city today, with scores of mag- 
nificent school buildings, with thousands of trained teachers, with 
scientific laboratories, with the most modern text-books, with rec- 
reational facilities, with everything necessary for the highest class 
work along educational lines. Nevertheless, there were bound up 
in that early educational enterprise, the possibilities of growth 
and enlarged influence. Our forefathers builded better than they 
knew, and the educational privileges of our children today in no 
small degree look for their origin to the zeal, devotion and de- 
termination of these men of a century ago. 

III. There is a third proposition, upon which our fathers had 
strong convictions. It is a proposition that needs to be re-affirmed 
in this day. In scriptural language it is expressed thus: ‘‘The 
powers that be are ordained of God.’’ The State is an insti- 


24 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


tution of Divine sanction, as well as the Church. Every true 
Christian man is under obligation to support the State with his 
substance and defend it with his life, if occasion require such sac- 
rifice. To put it in another way, patriotism has always been a pas- 
sion with the Christian element of America. This church, through 
its century of history, has had a remarkable record of loyalty to 
our government which we could not begin to give in detail. Four 
times in one hundred years her sons were summoned to the colors 
and never once did they falter or respond with reluctance. Their 
loyalty, their heroism, their devotion to the right, as they con- 
ceived it, is a part of the priceless heritage of the century. 

You are well aware that this church has made a notable con- 
tribution to the larger welfare of the State and Nation, by the gift 
of an unusual number of statesmen, and counsellors. Were we to 
eall the roll of such public servants this morning, it would include 
one President of the United States, one Attorney General of the 
United States, several Governors of this commonwealth and a 
great array of legislators, jurists, journalists and others who have 
rendered conspicuous public service. 

I would be an unworthy successor of the noble men who have 
preceded me in this pulpit, if I failed to direct your attention to 
the part they played in shaping the conscience and establishing 
the moral convictions of this city and commonwealth. The men 
who have served this church as ministers during the past one hun- 
dred years have, for the most part, been men of unusual gifts and 
have made no small contribution to the heritage of the century. 
They have been, without exception, so far as I am able to discover, 
unfaltering in their loyalty to the gospel of Christ which is the 
power of God unto salvation. 

Consider for a moment the influence of a century of preaching 
upon the morals of a community and upon the citizenship of a 
commonwealth. Preaching and church-going keep alive a con- 
sciousness of the sanctity of the Lord’s Day. Where there is no 
Sabbath and no Sabbath-keeping, there is little religion. "Where 
there is no religion, God is not acknowledged. Where there is no 
acknowledgment of God, there is no conscience. Where there is no 
conscience, there is no respect for law. Where there is no respect 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 25 


for law, there is little regard for property rights or for human life. 
The heritage of honesty, industry, integrity and good citizenship, 
which is ours, finds much of its incentive in this church and pul- 
pit. For a full century this organization, through its ministers 
and strong laymen and laywomen, has been quietly yet faithfully 
imparting spiritual vigor and moral stamina to this community. 
Today, we pause to give thanks to God for this wonderful heritage. 
In the one hundred years of its existence, 4,245 persons have been 
received into the membership of this church and have looked to it 
for guidance in service and for inspiration in spiritual matters. 
During this period, the church has been served by twelve pas- 
tors, one assistant pastor, and six stated supplies. The names of 
fifty-three ruling elders appear on its registry. 

It is impossible to pay individual tribute to this splendid suc- 
cession of spiritual leaders. It occurs to me that I ean best ap- 
praise the heritage of a century by directing your thought to two 
men, whose names will forever stand out conspicuously in the his- 
tory of this church. QOne stands at the opening of the church’s 
history, the other guided its destinies through more than one- 
third of its existence as an organization. One toiled unceasingly 
back there in pioneer days that this church might be founded 
and become a source of influence and power in this capital city. 
The other built himself into the hearts and lives, not only of the 
membership of this church but of the people of this city. One was 
a ruling elder, the other is a teaching elder. I refer to Dr. Isaac 
Coe and to Rev. Matthias L. Haines, D. D., the Pastor Emeritus of 
this church. What towers of strength they both are! What 
splendid types of Presbyterian manhood at its best! 

The initiation of any enterprise must center about a person- 
ality, and the moving spirit in the establishment of the Union Sab- 
bath School and the First Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis 
was Dr. Isaac Coe. On a granite monument which stands in 
Crown Hill Cemetery are inscribed these words: ‘‘The Founder of 
Sabbath Schools in Indianapolis.’’ One cannot read the sources 
of the history of the First Presbyterian Church without being 
profoundly impressed by the spirit of energy, devotion and 
splendid efficiency that characterized this early Presbyterian 


26 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


leader and elder. Born near Dover in Morris County, New Jer- 
sey, in 1782, possessing in high degree physical, mental and moral 
energy, he was bound to exercise a decided influence wherever 
he located. His parents were God-fearing Presbyterians whose 
wholesome instruction was deeply imbedded in his heart and gave 
direction throughout his life to his unusual energy of character. 

Having determined to be a physician, Dr. Coe entered upon a 
three years’ course in medicine and surgery, the last year of 
which was spent at the New York Medical Institution and hospital 
connected therewith in New York City, from which he was gradu- 
ated in the spring of 1815. After practicing for a time in New 
Jersey and Virginia, his adventurous spirit impelled him to seek 
an outlet for his vigor of mind and body among the hardships and 
deprivations of what was then the far Western country. Coming 
in 1821 to Indianapolis, where he was the first graduate physician 
to locate, he soon foresaw the future importance of this city as the 
capital of the state, and devoted himself with very great earnest- 
ness to everything that promised to promote the highest interests 
of the community. Of course, in his judgment, the establishment 
of a Presbyterian Church was one of the very best means to that 
end, so he gave time, money, and influence freely to this work. 
His first step in this direction was the organization of an adult 
Bible Class which he himself taught at his home. His next effort 
was the founding of the Union Sabbath School. 


Modern specialists in religious education might well give study 
to the methods employed by Dr. Coe and his colleagues in this 
pioneer Sabbath School. Early in the third year of its existence, 
a careful survey of the town was made, whereby it was ascer- 
tained that there were two hundred children of a suitable age to 
attend Sunday School. Of this number, 161 were actually en- 
rolled. From the old records available, it is computed that from 
1825 to 1836 about 70 per cent of the children of the town attended 
Sabbath School. This high percentage was maintained by sys- 
tematic monthly visits by Sabbath School teachers to the homes. 
In the year 1836, out of 558 children in the town, 430 were on the 
Sabbath School rolls. Thus it is unnecessary for us to look back 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 27 


with pity and scorn upon the humble efforts of our forefathers in 
the field of religious education. 

Not only were the children brought into the school, but actual 
results were achieved after enrollment was accomplished. As we 
have indicated, there was a lack of day-schools at that time, and 
this enterprising Sabbath School took children who did not know 
their letters, put them through the alphabet and primer, and then 
started them to memorizing Bible verses. Older children were 
furnished weekly by Dr. Coe with questions to be proved from 
the Bible, and a liberal system of rewards to the scholars for mem- 
orizing was introduced from the very beginning. 

Only a few days ago we examined one of the original record 
eards still preserved. On it are noted the name and grade of the 
scholar, the number of verses memorized, his record for punctu- 
ality, behavior and attendance. One of the rules of the school was 
that the children should attend the church service. 

The impression that one gets after examining these sources of 
information, is that this organization was compact, efficient and 
directed toward a worthy purpose by the master mind who devised 
it and stood back of it. What this church and city owe to Dr. 
Isaac Coe cannot be estimated. 

As we turn to the ministry of Dr. Haines, which extended over 
a period of more than thirty-five years, we are astonished at the 
very bulk of it as indicated by available: statistics. During his 
ministry, he received 2,369 persons into the fellowship of the 
church. From 1823 to 1885, the year his pastorate began, a total 
of 1,648 persons had been received, and the church then had a 
membership of 347. When his pastorate ended in November, 1920, 
the reported membership was 905. During the same period the 
contributions to church support and benevolences had risen from 
less than $7,000 a year to more than $39,000. During his pastor- 
ate $153,822 were raised for benevolences and $454,420 for church 
support. This makes a grand total of $608,232. It sounds like 
the figures of big business. 

They tell us the average minister conducts approximately 160 
public meetings each year. “Allowing one hour each for these 
meetings, and computing on the basis of thirty-five years, Dr. 


28 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Haines stood before this congregation and community 700 days of 
eight hours each, or about two years and four months, making 
allowance for rest days and holidays. 

But the great bulk of pastoral labors cannot be stated statisti- 
cally. Think of the joys and sorrows, the happiness and the 
heartaches of thirty-five years. Through all the experiences of 
life Dr. Haines went with his people. He has baptized the chil- 
dren and married the sons and daughters of this church. He has 
comforted them in the hour of bereavement and gone with them to 
the gates of death. Scores of times, under a scorching summer sun 
or amid the chilling blasts of winter, he has stood by the open grave 
and spoken a last word of hope and assurance. The details of his 
toils for this church as an organization cannot be even touched 
here. Suffice it to say that under his guidance, this church be- 
came a closely-knit organization along modern lines. 

Only those familiar with such work understand the significance 
of this phase of the pastorate of Dr. Haines. I am confident that I 
am able more clearly to discern the high quality and the perman- 
ence of the structure Dr. Haines has erected than those who for 
long years labored with him. 

A ministry of thirty-five years is something of an achievement 
in itself. 

A pastorate of thirty-five years in one church is the acid test 
of a minister’s wisdom, patience, intellectual and spiritual re- 
sources and Christian manhood. 

Not only has Dr. Haines passed this test with highest honors, 
but he remains enthroned in the hearts of those who through the 
years have looked to him for spiritual leadership. 

What a contribution is his to the heritage of the century! 

How shall we best honor the memory of those of our number 
who have been ealled from the Church Militant to the Church 
Triumphant? How shall we bring satisfaction to those still with 
us who have been abundant in their labors for the Kingdom? Not 
by any words we can say but rather by our deeds. We honor 
them when we fight the battles of our day as courageously as they 
fought their battles. We honor them when we bear our burdens 
uncomplainingly as they bore theirs. We honor them when we 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 29 


turn our faces hopefully toward the future with a high resolve that 
this old church shall increase in spiritual power with increasing 
years. We honor them most when we determine that through all 
the changing years, their Faith shall be our Faith, their God shall 
be our God, their Saviour shall be our Saviour, their Hope of Sal- 
vation and their Eternal Home shall be ours. 


30 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


GREETINGS FROM CITY OF INDIANAPOLIS 


Mr. Louis Howuanp, Epitror, The Indianapolis News 


To the First Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, June 11, 1923. 


Speaking for the community by your appointment, and for no 
other reason that occurs to me, I take pleasure in extending to 
your church the greetings of Indianapolis on this happy oc¢a- 
sion. If Indianapolis could be incarnated, and endowed with a 
voice, she would, I am sure, not only extend a greeting to the First 
Presbyterian Church, but also acknowledge with thankfulness her 
great indebtedness to it, an indebtedness that she can repay only 
by living in loyalty, as she has in the main done, to the fine tra- 
dition of which this organization is a part, which it did so much 
to establish, and has done so much to maintain and perpetuate. 
It is curious that a community that is a hundred and more years 
old should have retained so clearly the impress of the stamp set 
on it in its infancy. The little village of a few hundred souls still 
lives in the city of more than three hundred thousand people, and 
I for one rejoice that it is so. We have lost something of the old 
ways and customs, which was inevitable, and perhaps desirable, 
and much of the old narrowness, and this no one will regret. But 
the spirit of our founders survives, and among them none exerted 
a stronger and more soundly spiritual influence than those who 
laid the foundations of this church a hundred years ago. In do- 
ing that, they performed a community service the importance of 
which it is impossible to exaggerate. The community’s greeting 
is In recognition of that service, and not a mere courtesy. 

My task is really done, since the message is delivered, and in as 
sincere and heartfelt a way as I have been able to command. But, 
laying aside my representative role, and speaking as friend and 
neighbor—for my spiritual home is not far away—I may be for- 
given a few observations that may not be inappropriate to the ocea- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 31 


sion. It is pleasant, profitable and most helpful to ‘‘ praise famous 
men, and our fathers that begat us,’’ and to think of them as con- 
stituting that ‘‘cloud of witnesses’’ by which we are ‘‘compassed 
about.’’ But one can not indulge in such reflections without think- 
ing of the future, of the race that we are to ‘‘run with patience,”’ 
and of the ‘‘witnesses’’ as alive, and sympathetically, anxiously 
and eagerly awaiting the outcome. All of which means that tra- 
ditions are not dead things. They are the prolongation into the 
present of the life of the past, and the life of the present is stabler, 
safer and also nobler when lived in the tradition. Traditions are, 
in a very real sense, institutions. There is much talk today of 
100 per cent Americanism—a good deal of it pointless and foolish 
—hbut there can be no such Americanism except in so far as it is 
true to the great American tradition. Precisely so is it with our 
religion. This is by no means to say that everything that is tra- 
ditional is true—that is far from being the case—but Christianity 
cannot be taught, held, or even thought of except in relation to the 
past, and a very remote past, and to the innumerable influences 
that have gone into its making. It was not invented yesterday— 
was not invented at all. Its history is not the history of doctrines 
or dogmas, but of a life of which those doctrines and dogmas were 
once, and of which some of them are even yet, the expression. In- 
stitutional Christianity has taken them into itself and built on 
them. It also rejects them when they no longer serve, no longer 
minister to our religion as a life. 

But though we can and do outgrow many things that are tra- 
ditional, we can not outgrow tradition, for it is a part of us. The 
family tradition, to come down to the individual, is in the blood, 
a part, and—when it is fine—a most precious part of one’s inheri- 
tance. With our English friends, the words ‘‘It isn’t done’’ are 
stronger even than the law, and there are no people with a greater 
respect for the law, or with whom obedience to the law is more in- 
stinctive and implicit. But no law is needed by the English to en- 
force obedience to the inhibition ‘‘It isn’t done’’—it is self-exe- 
euting. It is the law of self-control, self-restraint and is the fruit 
of self-respect, and respect for a tradition sanctified by the alle- 
giance yielded to it by high-minded gentlemen for generations 


32 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Life has been moulded to this pattern. The principle plays, or 
should play, a very important part in social life, in politics, and 
perhaps most of all in religion. | 

Viewed thus, our religious life seems to have a framework or 
body that it can not have in the eyes of those who do not see it in 
this light. Those to whom it does appear in this aspect need have, 
it seems to me, little fear or concern about heresy. The problem 
of the churches is to present to men, in such a way as to win their 
loving loyalty, the life and teachings of their Master, and the im- 
parted and inherited life of which His life was and is the inspira- 
tion. The truth, we have been taught, is not a body of doctrine— 
which may or may not be true—but a Person—‘‘I am the Truth.’’ 
The Christian life is also a Person—‘‘I am the Resurrection and 
the Life.’’ He came to earth that men might ‘‘have life and have 
it more abundantly,’’ and that life was in Himself. ‘‘In Him was 
life; and the life was the light of men.’’ For light, therefore, we 
must go, not to general assemblies, general conventions, or church 
councils, but to Jesus Christ. So, too, men who are wandering in 
strange paths, and in danger of being lost, should remember that 
He also is ‘‘the Way.’’ Here then is the source of our great tradi- 
tion, to which churches, and communities inspired by them, must 
be true if it is to be well with them. In that tradition we may, if 
we will, all be one. It is only through unity between man and God 
that unity of men and churches with one another can ever be 
brought about. 

Surely it is not going too far to say that your anniversary and 
festival have a deep spiritual significance. It is not much merely 
to live for a hundred years—indeed it may be a curse. ‘‘The days 
of our age,’’ we read, ‘‘are three score years and ten; and though 
men be so strong that they come to four score years, yet is their 
strength then but labour and sorrow; so soon passeth it away, and 
we are gone.’’ So the prayer is: ‘‘So teach us to number our days 
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.’’ To live a hundred 
years is nothing; to live a hundred years wisely is a divine achieve- 
ment. The mission of this church, as conceived by its founders, 
was to teach men to apply their hearts to ‘‘the wisdom that is 
from above,’’ which ‘‘is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ay 


easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without parti- 
ality and without hypocrisy.”’ 

To that mission your church has, I believe, been faithful. It 
has lived its hundred years well, and may enter its second cen- 
tury with high hopes, and with a chastened pride that need not 
be at enmity with a true humility. It has ever recognized that 
‘‘here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come,’’ that 
‘‘city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.’’ 
So you have reason to rejoice—and the community which you 
have served rejoices with you—but you also have reason to be sober 
and vigilant, as people charged with the administration of a sacred 
and Divine trust must always be. ‘‘For the Son of Man is as a 
man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority 
to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the 
porter to watch. Watch ye therefore; for ye know not when the 
master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight or at the cock- 
crowing, or in the morning, lest coming suddenly he find you 
sleeping. And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.’’ 
This means that your festival is a day of dedication and conse- 
eration, and points to the future as well as to the past. I bring 
you the greetings of this community, a community grateful and 
thankful for what your church has meant and still means to it, 
and confident that it will mean even more to it in the future. 
‘“The Lord spake unto Joshua, saying, * * * Only be thou strong 
and very courageous.’’ 


GREETINGS FROM THE PRESBYTERY 


Rev. George WILLIAM ALLISON, 
Moderator of the Presbytery of Indianapolis, 1923 


To The First Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, June 11, 1923. 


I am charged with the pleasant duty of bringing greetings from 
the Presbytery of Indianapolis. But what a task! How does one 
formally greet his mother? For this church is literally the 
‘“‘mother’’ of Presbyterianism in the Presbytery. Within the 
bounds of the present Presbytery, there are only two older 
churches, Bloomington founded in 1819 and Spencer Bethany in 
1820. There is no older church so far north as this in the state. 

I bring these words of John Drinkwater from his ‘‘ Abraham 
Lincoln :’’ 

‘“When we the high heart magnify, 
And the sure vision celebrate ; 


And worship greatness passing by, 
Ourselves are great.’’ 


This church has had an honored history and we prophesy for 
her a noble future. We do honor to ourselves when we pay honor 
to its notable contribution to Christian citizenship, not only within 
the city and Presbytery,—but in the state and nation as well. 

Indiana has been called the last frontier, for, with the devel- 
opment of the railroads, the conditions of settlement farther west 
were vastly different. Our grandfathers settled in Indiana not 
to exploit its resources, but to found homes for themselves and 
their families. This has given color and character to our citizen- 
ship, and, to the development of the state, this church has made its 
distinctive contribution. | 

I do not know, but I feel quite confident that there are three 


34 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 35 


sources from which its early membership came. There were those 
sturdy, intelligent, hardy New Englanders; the courteous Cav- 
aliers who came from or through Virginia; and the liberal 
sprinkling of Scotechmen that every Presbyterian church is sup- 
posed to possess. They each brought with them noble ideals, they 
wrought great work, and have left us a great tradition. This they 
have bequeathed to us. And if we in our generation permit these 
ideals to suffer, this tradition to languish, this institution to be 
anything but its possible best,—we can only be ‘‘ashamed uv 
oursel’s.’’ 

There has been what might be called a miracle of God enacted 
in American History. One may follow from the Gulf of St. Law- 
rence to the mouth of the Mississippi a list of French names, which 
are the only remnant of a deliberate and subsidized effort of the 
French Government to establish, in the heart of the richest contin- 
ent on earth, a New France. Similarly, in the south, from St. 
Augustine, El Paso, Santa Fe, on to San Bernardino and San 
Francisco there was an attempt to build a New Spain. The only 
coins in the Wabash Valley fifteen years after this church was 
founded were Spanish—the doubloon and piece of eight. But in the 
Frovidence of God, it was out of neither of these efforts that 
America’s greatness was to come. On the contrary, it came from a 
ragged fringe of scattered colonies of diverse origin and with many 
conflicting interests, ranged along the narrow Atlantic seaboard,— 
colonists, who were either driven from their home-lands, or cared 
for by them none too kindly. Out of their unaided efforts, the 
enterprise which is America grew. And in the building of a free 
Christian America here in the heart of the continent, this church 
has played no mean part. 

I bring you, on behalf of the Presbytery of Indianapolis, greet- 
ings upon the completion of one hundred years of splendid service 
to the cause of Christ, and bid you God-speed for the years ahead, 
assured that these will not be less noble than those which have 
already passed. 


36 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


GREETINGS FROM THE CHURCH FEDERATION 
Rev. C. H. Winners, D. D., EXECUTIVE SECRETARY. 


To the First Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, June 11, 1923. 


I bring you greetings from the churches of this city. I do so 
with great joy and satisfaction because I know in what high es- 
teem the personnel of this church is held by all the church people 
of this city, and because also of the fine spirit of cooperation in 
every good work manifested by this church. 


It is a great thing to have been a pioneer in the religious life of 
a great city, and that position of leadership, at least in certain im- 
portant respects, has been held by this church through all these 
years. I have been impressed by four things as I have been think- 
ing of the meaning of this centennial celebration. 

First, pioneers of progress in the moral and religious realm are 
too often honored last and least of all. This should not surprise 
us; too few really live in such a manner as to make possible an 
appreciation of work done in this realm of life. The influence of 
such men is so pervasive, so gradually transforming, being void of 
everything spectacular, there being no blare of trumpets, no 
attempt to thrust their hght out to be seen of men, but simply to 
let it shine, that too frequently it is entirely overlooked. The man 
who builds railroads, tunnels mountains, bridges chasms, lays out 
cities, or constructs great buildings, should be honored, but the 
man who builds character, who establishes institutions for the 
transformation of men and women should be thrice honored. 
From every standpoint, the Church, next to the home, is the great- 
est institution in the world. Mr. Babson tells us that our security 
does not depend upon the construction of great vaults to hold our 
money, or substantial buildings to protect us from the enemy, but 
upon the principles of honesty and fair dealing, which are taught 
by the Church and the ministers of the gospel. The Church has no 
apology to make; it doubtless has not lived up to its opportunities, 
nor by any manner of means met fully its responsibilities, but it 
has been and still is the greatest factor for human helpfulness and 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 37 


human progress, next to the home, that the world has ever pos- 
sessed’ or is now 1n possession of. 

Second, this church was a pioneer in the realm of religious edu- 
cation. We have been a long time learning that the commission of 
our Lord was not only to preach but also to teach, and that true 
religion must be based upon intelligence. This has always been a 
strong point in the Presbyterian Church, and this contribution you 
have made to the religious life of this city. The Church has al- 
ways been a friend of education, but not always a wise friend. 
It has always stimulated and fostered the school, but it has oceca- 
sionally expressed fear lest the school should supersede the 
Church. The remedy for this is Christian education. Just now 
the Church is coming to see this and is taking a new interest in this 
great task. The principles followed and the program outlined in 
the school out of which this church grew, have not changed much 
since that time; they have developed some and are being more 
cenerally applied, but they remain very much the same. 

Third, you were pioneers in the field of cooperative Christian- 
ity. I have come to estimate people not so much by their intellec- 
tual strength or by the strength or attractiveness of their person- 
ality, but by their ability to work with other people. No one of us 
knows very much, nor can any one of us alone do very much; it is 
only by cooperation that we accomplish great things; it is only by 
the comparison and exchange of ideas that we come to know very 
much. This is the day of codperation, and surely if men codperate 
in business affairs they should cooperate in the great work of the 
Kingdom of Christ. You set an example of Christian cooperation 
one hundred years ago when the spirit of sectarianism was much 
more bitter and intense than at the present time, and you have con- 
tinued in this spirit of cooperation to the present time. That first 
Sunday School, held in the little cabinet shop, was a union Sun- 
day School, and it did not cease to function as a union school when 
moved into the First Presbyterian Church building. 

The fourth thing I have been thinking about is that the early 
stamp put upon Presbyterianism in this city has been carried by 
that Church throughout its one hundred years of history. You 
are missionary in spirit. I am not speaking of your relation to the 


38 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


work in foreign fields; I refer to the missionary needs of your own 
city, and your generous response to these needs. You have’ estab- 
lished and are now maintaining missions in your own city, just as 
your people were instrumental in establishing that first Sunday 
School because there was a call for it. You have been a people 
greatly interested in religious education. You are leading in this 
city at the present time in the field of Daily Vacation Bible 
Schools. You are teaching the rest of us how to do this work thor- 
oughly and effectively. You have been through all these years, 
and still are, a very cooperative people. Your relation to other 
religious bodies has been most brotherly and helpful, and it is a 
pleasure to work with you in the great field of cooperative Chris- 
tianity. This has been a great century of achievement, and the 
future is full of hope for the First Presbyterian Church of Indi- 
anapolis. In the name of the Protestant churches of this city, I 
bring you greetings and bid you God speed! 


ADDRESS, MR. THOMAS C. DAY 


Centennial Service, Tuesday evening, June 12, 1923. 


The committee of arrangements has notified me that my duties 
this evening are twofold—to give personal reminiscences of a few 
of the earlier members and officers of this church, and then to in- 
troduce Dr. Haines, the speaker of the evening. 

Among my earliest recollections of the membership of the 
First Presbyterian Church is a call at our home from Mrs. Caleb 
C. Burgess and Mrs. Thomas H. Sharpe. As specimens of the 
membership of a church these women would commend the church 
to any stranger. Their gracious bearing, their friendly and 
sympathetic attitude at once won the confidence and friendship 
of all who met them. The striking characteristics of these two 
ladies were generosity of judgment as to other persons, and spir- 
itual poise. 

The author and poet Hood, at one time threatened with an in- 
troduction, said: ‘‘No! don’t introduce me to that man; I want to 
hate him, and you can’t hate a man that you know.’’ Quite con- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 39 


trary to this, Mrs. Sharpe and Mrs. Burgess wanted to love every- 
body, and sought introductions, that they might show their love. 
Besides their social life of beautiful hospitality and good cheer, 
Mrs. Burgess and Mrs. Sharpe organized what were known as 
Mothers’ Meetings in the parlors of the First Presbyterian Church. 

They visited the homes of needy ones, inviting the.mothers to 
the meetings, where these ladies, assisted by others of the church, 
taught the women to make garments for their children, while they 
also instructed them in the fundamentals of good housekeeping 
and in Christian methods of rearing their children. The same 
lessons have been carried on ever since through the kindergarten. 

Dr. Caleb C. Burgess, elected to the eldership in 1888, ever dis- 
played a deep concern for the welfare of the church. Always 
present at the prayer meeting and at meetings of the session, it 
was easy to see that his life was largely bound up in his church 
and its activities. 

Thomas H. Sharpe became an elder in 1850. A man of sub- 
stantial build, he illustrated in his physical form the solidity of 
his convictions and endurance of his faith. At the time I knew 
him, he was rather deliberate in his movements, calm, sedate and 
pre-eminently fair and just. 

Chapin C. Foster, installed as an elder in 1879, was the opti- 
mist of the session. Gifted with a happy social nature, he was 
always placed on committees charged with the duty of inducing 
men to give something or do something. If Chapin Foster failed, 
the case was dropped as impracticable. He was a good listener, 
and in answer to a vigorous criticism of the church or its methods, 
his reply was an indulgent smile, a smile which almost convinced 
the complainer that he was in sympathy with his views; but the 
smile was fatal to the critic; it effectually demolished the attack 
and left Foster coming home with what Samuel J. Tilden would 
call the ‘‘usufruct.’’ Mr. Foster was immensely popular with his 
Sunday School class of boys whom he took annually, through a 
period of years, on picnic excursions, giving to the boys practical 
demonstrations that Sunday Schools and Bible study are in perfect 
accord with picnics, games, swings and ‘‘lots of fun’’ on week- 
days. 


40 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Opposite to Mr. Foster in character, attitude and bearing, was 
Robert S. McKee, who, like the war horse of the Hebrew poet, 
sniffed the battle from afar. He often detected danger and lha- 
bility lurking behind silver-lined clouds. Mr. McKee’s cautious 
nature never prevented him from giving his loyal support to the 
church and to its activities. He stood firmly on Presbyterian doce- 
trines, and, when my brethren elected me to the eldership, I asked 
Thomas H. Sharpe where I could see a copy of the Presbyterian 
Confession of Faith to learn if I-could qualify for the office. Mr. 
Sharpe declared that he had no copy, but, reflecting a moment, 
said ‘‘Go to McKee, I dare say he is the only man in the church 
who has one.’’ Accordingly, I appealed to elder McKee who 
kindly furnished his copy of the Confession of Faith, printed, I 
think, in 1882. 

Mr. W. H. H. Miller, who was installed an elder in 1882, later 
under Benjamin Harrison’s administration Attorney General of 
the United States, was a man of deep conviction. There was noth- 
ing colorless about his mental equipment. On any subject about 
which he thought it worth while to have an opinion, he was pos- 
itive and emphatic. His kindly heart was hidden away from the 
public gaze but was ever responsive to human need. For some 
years, W. H. H. Miller was the treasurer of the church, and his 
services in that office were of special value. 

During the period which my remarks cover, Rev. Myron W. 
Reed was the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. I think 
I may properly describe him as a Christian socialist. Strongly 
sympathetic toward the laboring man, he was easily aroused in 
defense of the one who works with his hands. Added to this was 
bis vivid impression of the bitter controversies leading up to the 
Civil War which colored all his thinking. <A hater of oppression 
in all its forms, and especially detesting negro slavery, scarcely a 
sermon Mr. Reed delivered, but was decorated with some anecdote 
or reference to John Brown and the Kansas-Nebraska struggle. 
Mr. Reed was a popular preacher and attracted large audiences, 
especially of people outside of the churches. At the evening ser- 
vices, chairs were often brought in to supplement the pews, but 
notwithstanding the audiences were large, the church failed to 
grow in the same proportion and the collections were small. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 41 


On the resignation of Rev. Myron W. Reed, a committee on 
pastor was formed, which, after considering several names, listened 
to Mr. Albert Baker, who recommended his college mate at Wa- 
bash, Rev. M. L. Haines, who was at that time the pastor of a 
church in Astoria, New York. Mr. Baker was supported by two 
other members of the congregation, Edward Daniels and Harry 
Milligan, who were also in Wabash college with Dr. Haines. After 
further investigation, the committee reported to the congregation 
its unanimous recommendation that the Rev. M. L. Haines be 
called. The election of Dr. Haines followed and was unanimous. 

In Bunyan’s story, Greatheart conducts his little company 
toward the Celestial City, alone, but when the Rev. M. L. Haines 
came to Indianapolis and measured the job before him, knowing 
more about Hoosierdom than Bunyan did, he forthwith went East 
for reinforcements. The reinforcements promptly appeared, and, 
when we greeted the young lady from Astoria, there were large 
spaces in our hearts, quite ready for her occupancy. The congre- 
gation realized something of her great adventure, in breaking away 
from relatives and friends and the scenes of her childhood, to 
journey a thousand miles westward to make a home among stran- 
cers; but the reinforcement took her place among us with admir- 
able poise, demanding nothing for herself, but ready at all times to 
serve, and by her ready and tender sympathy, her bubbling good 
nature and exhilarant laugh, wound the fibers of our hearts firmly 
about her. 

When Louis XIV, of France, invented the aphorism ‘‘I am 
the State,’’ he stirred the imagination of his generation and of 
every generation since, aS expressing in a striking figure, the iden- 
tity of the man and the state. Our Pastor Emeritus will now 
speak to us on the subject ‘‘ Looking Backward.’’ It is a long look 
—thirty-five years backward! And, Dr. Haines, if you shall adopt 
the apothegm of the French King and say to us, ‘‘I am the his- 
tory,’’ we shall stand by you on that proposition; but I suspec: 
your well known modesty will prevent your use of the figure. 
However, please to remember we shall have this truth in our minds 
while you speak. 


LOOKING BACKWARD 


Address, Centennial Observance Week, First Presbyterian Church, 
Indianapolis, Tuesday Evening, June 12, 1923, 


Rev. M. L. Harness, D: D., Pastor EMEritrus 


I am not attempting this evening to give a history of the First 
Presbyterian Church. I plan to present only some flash-lght 
views of men, women, and happenings. A history of the life and 
work of our church during the one hundred years of its existence 
would require a volume. As you know, we are to have a volume of 
historical records that will contain copies of original documents— 
describing pioneer life in the New Purchase, the story of the or- 
ganization of the church that July day, one hundred years ago; 
extracts from the sessional records of the church, and passages 
from sermons and addresses and press articles of past years that 
throw light upon its growth and experiences. 

This compilation of historical material will have value, not 
only in bringing clearly to mind the events of the past, but in 
enabling us the better to understand what the church is now. 
Rudyard Kipling cried: 


‘‘How should they know England, 
Who only England know?’’ 


How shall we know the church who only the church of today 
know? This noble Christian organization, of which we are mem- 
bers, has wrought into its structure the faith and devotion, the 
labors and gifts and sacrifices of our forefathers. 

They dug down and laid the foundations, and laying founda- 
tions is both difficult and costly work. If the superstructure has 
amplitude and solidity, it is because the foundations they laid, are 
deep and strong. 


42 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 43 


I find it is given me to present only fragmentary records of 
the past years, and these records not joined in an ordered way, for 
already you have had given to you important and interesting 
chapters in our church life. 

Dr. Smith, in his sermon last Sunday on ‘‘The Heritage of a 
Century,’’ set forth in a vivid way the privations and hardships 
of pioneer days here in the New Purchase; the earnest religious 
spirit and the zeal for education that characterized the founders 
of the church. He also presented in condensed statement the 
character and influence of that noble Christian physician and 
elder, Dr. Isaac Coe,—all things considered, the foremost person- 
ality in the formative years of the life of the church. And then, 
in his genuine, generous friendship, he amplified on the story of 
the years of my own pastorate. 

Last evening we had addresses from three citizens of Indi- 
anapolis, each one presenting significant aspects of the history 
and influence of the First Church. And Thursday evening of this 
centennial observance week, we will be privileged to hear care- 
fully prepared papers from four of our members setting forth 
important events and personalities. 

I should therefore have a care to avoid repeating what has al- 
ready been said in preceding addresses, and also to keep from dis- 
courteously invading the particular historical and biographical 
territories assigned to the four speakers who are yet to address us. 

So I must pass by without notice events and personalities that 
are of importance. The fact is, I find I have a narrow and 
somewhat winding path to go,—but here goes. 

The first Presbyterian minister to preach a sermon in Indiana 
Territory was Rev. Thomas Cleland in 1805. In the remarkable 
camp meeting revivals in Kentucky and Tennessee in the eight 
years from 1797 to 1805, a spirit of intense religious zeal was 
awakened. It was that spirit that impelled a number of pioneer 
evangelists to journey northward across the Ohio River into the 
new settlements of the Indiana Territory. Most of the early set- 
tlers of Indiana came from Kentucky and Tennessee. These mis- 
sionary revivalists were especially of the Methodist, Baptist, New 
Light, and Presbyterian persuasions. 


44 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


October 17, 1804, a petition was received by the Transylvania 
Presbytery—then meeting in Danville, Kentucky,—from Post 
Vincennes. praying for a missionary preacher to be sent. In April, 
1805, the Presbytery, then again meeting in Danville, appointed 
the Rev. Thomas Cleland ‘‘to supply in Indiana Territory as much 
of his time as he could with conveniency.’’ Let me give in con- 
densed form the story furnished by Dr. Hanford Edson’s “‘Pres- 
byterianism in Indiana.’’ 

He tells us that Rev. Thomas Cleland was then and for many 
years the most popular Presbyterian preacher in Kentucky. A 
Virginian by birth he went with his parents when he was eleven 
years old, to Kentucky, and was educated in Transylvania Univer- 
sity. ‘‘Small in stature, plain in dress and manners, not without 
wit, a sturdy controversialist, though loving peace, in the pulpit 
full of pathos and Scripture, a tireless itinerant and revivalist.’’ 

He crossed the Ohio River at Louisville and made his way 
through the dense forests to Vincennes, then the capital of the 
territory. He described his journey in these words: 

‘‘Tt was an uninhabited route. I had to go through a wilder- 
ness traced with only one log cabin on the way. Here I slept on the 
puncheon floor, my horse tied to a tree and fed with grain packed 
in a wallet from Louisville. The next evening made up for all 
privations for I was welcomed and entertained at the Governor’s 
mansion in Vincennes. Wm. Henry Harrison, a young man, with 
a Presbyterian wife, was the Governor of the Indiana Territory. 
The first sermon I preached, and it was the first preached in the 
place by a Presbyterian minister, was in the Council House, but a 
short time before occupied by the Indians and Governor Har- 
rison in making a treaty.”’ ; 

The next year Rev. Mr. Cleland again made the journey from 
Kentucky to Vincennes, and organized in the vicinity the ‘‘Indi- 
ana Church’’—the first Presbyterian church formed in the terri- 
tory. That first sermon by a Presbyterian in Indiana Territory 
is of special interest to us, because in this church we have had and 
still have descendants of Rev. Thomas Cleland, and we have had 
descendants also of the then young governor, William Henry 
tlarrison. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 45 


The first sermon preached in Indianapolis by a Presbyterian 
minister was nearly two years before the church was organized and 
two months before the sale of town lots. 

In August, 1821, Rev. Ludwell G. Gaines, a Presbyterian evan- 
gelist, came from Ohio through the woods to the village, and held 
an open air preaching service under a big black-walnut tree at 
what is now the southwest corner of Washington Street and Sen- 
ate Avenue. With considerable labor the underbrush was cleared 
away for the occasion. The preacher is described as ‘‘a stout 
florid man of deep piety, with a great big voice and a big wart on 
his forehead.’’ Years after that memorable service, James M. Ray 
wrote of the preacher and the occasion these words: ‘‘He was a 
robust man, earnest in impressing the value of religion and good 
morals in our young community, and was listened to with interest 
by about two hundred and fifty of the settlers. Huis forcible ap- 
peals tended to strengthen those of the first comers who wished 
to have Sunday kept from the beginning in the future capital of 
the state, and to have the day rescued from the indulgence in 
shooting game and in fishing,—then general in the West.’’ Those 
words are a revelation of the earnest religious spirit of the writer 
as well as a description of the preacher and the service. Among 
the settlers who gathered under that walnut tree to hear the Rev. 
Mr. Gaines were four men, then, and for long years afterward, 
notable in the civil and religious life of Indianapolis, Dr. Isaac 
Coe and his son-in-law James M. Ray, Caleb Scudder and James 
Blake. 

The foremost of these, ‘‘by virtue of his talents, zeal and 
ecclesiastical experience was Isaae Coe.’’ In these centennial ser- 
vices we have been told much about him, and he is worthy of all 
the tributes paid to him. 

At least a word should be said of the other three. Berry Sul- 
grove in his ‘‘History of Indianapolis’’ says— 

‘‘Mr. Blake’s history for fifty years was the history of Indi- 
anapolis, and no citizen has ever been more closely identified with 
the rise and progress of the city than he. When Kossuth, the dis- 
tinguished Hungarian visited Indianapolis, when the soldiers 
returned from the Mexican War, and when they returned from the 


46 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


South after the War of the Rebellion Mr. Blake was marshal of 
the day. No public pageant was complete without him.’’ 

Caleb Scudder, Dr. Edson tells us, ‘‘illustrated in a quiet 
sphere the value to the young community of mature and modest 
virtue.’’ James M. Ray, for many years a leader in Sunday School 
and church work, ‘‘was given to teach in his later years by his 
godly spirit what serenity and strength religion can afford for 
days of trial and darkness.’’ 

‘‘Brought together under the big tree that memorable August 
day, these four men were destined in yet closer bonds to worship 
and work side by side for many years, and to see not a little of 
the fruit of their labors in the developing religious life of the 
erowlng commonwealth. ’’ 

Last Sunday, Dr. Smith told us of a meeting of some of the set- 
tlers to plan for a better observance of the Fourth of July. That 
was the principal holiday of the year, and in the new settlements 
of the West was given up by many to unrestrained indulgence in 
drink, leading to disturbances and riotous brawls. 

The men of religious convictions sought to remedy this by hav- 
ing on the holiday religious and patriotic observances that would 
help to guard it from these abuses. The fact is the drinking habit 
was then well nigh universal. Total abstinence societies were un- 
known. There had been a temperance society formed in the United 
States in 1810. It was the first voluntary temperance association 
in America. Yet we would hardly consider it very advanced, 
though men who joimed it were sometimes derided and even per- 
secuted. One pledge of the society was in these words: ‘‘Any 
member of this association who shall be convicted of intoxication 
shall be fined two shillings, unless such act shall take place on the 
Fourth of July or on any regularly appointed military muster.’’ 

The patriotic pioneers gloried in the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, which taught them that governments are instituted among 
men to secure for their citizens the inalienable rights of life, lib- 
erty and the pursuit of happiness. To their way of thinking, this 
evidently meant ‘“‘liberty’’ to get intoxicated on the Fourth of July 
or on any general muster day—without paying a fine of two 
shillings. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 47 


Four years after the First Church was organized, in 1827, when 
the population of Indianapolis was only one thousand—there were 
imported into the village for home consumption seventy-six kegs 
of tobacco, one hundred kegs of powder, two hundred barrels of 
flour and two hundred and thirteen barrels of whiskey. 


One hundred years! That is not such a long time. I speak as 
one who has passed three score and ten. The span of the last one 
hundred years is covered to some of us, by our acquaintance with 
some of the pioneers. 


I recall among those I have been privileged to know—Judge 
Fabius M. Finch, born in 1810; Mr. Simon Yandes, born in 1815; 
Dr. William H. Wishard, born in 1816; and Mrs. Jane Merrill 
Ketcham born in 1819. In conversation with these persons, I have 
been carried back into the atmosphere of those times. Judge Finch 
told me that in 1820, three years before this church was organized, 
he was a boy ten years old, living in a log cabin on the banks of 
White River up near what is now Noblesville. Not far away was 
the large brick house of his brother-in-law, William Conner, which 
was a trading post where the nine commissioners met to select the 
site of the new capital and where they were entertained. The com- 
missioners were the state senators and Governor Jennings and in- 
cluded John Conner, founder of Connersville, who was a brother 
of William Conner. Judge Finch told me how he, as a lad, had 
the job—and it was not easy—of helping to clean the mud from 
their horses, and of feeding and caring for them during the 
stay of the visitors. He recalled how somber and gloomy life was 
in those years of his boyhood, lived in the midst of the dense far- 
stretching forests with only httle ‘‘clearings’’ here and there 
about the cabins. At times he would go out in a canoe on White 
River to enjoy a sight of the sky. 


Mr. Simon Yandes* told me he was a boy eight years of age 
when the Union Sunday School was started. He was one of the 
thirty scholars on that opening April Sunday. 

He remembered that Mr. Scudder had not swept the shavings 
out of the cabinet shop, but had only pushed them back into a 


*See page 416. 


48 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


heap in the corner, and had made and arranged some rough wooden 
benches upon which the boys and girls sat. 

Dr. William H. Wishard in his advanced years related to me 
some experiences of his boyhood that made vivid the conditions 
of living in the new settlements: 

When he was twelve years old his home was out on the edge 
of Johnson County. He was sent from there on horseback to the 
mill here in the Indianapolis village bringing a bag of corn to be 
ground. He also led a second horse that carried an extra bag of 
the grain. It was evening before the miller completed his work 
of grinding. The boy started on the trail through the woods 
toward his home. Darkness came on. A pack of wolves struck the 
trail and were following after him. He could hear their shrill 
yelps drawing nearer. Throwing the halter strap over the neck 
of the other horse and so letting him shift for himself, he urged 
his own steed into a gallop, and reached his home in safety. The 
second horse came in soon after. 

Not until some time later did he tell his mother of his experi- 
ence with the wolves. He was afraid that if she knew of it, she 
would not let him go to the mill again alone. 


Pioneer life with its privations, perils and unceasing labors 
developed men and women of a sturdy type. They stood on their 
own feet. They were independent, sometimes to eccentricity. 
While the material work they accomplished in clearing the forests 
and constructing roads, and building houses and barns was great, 
that which they wrought by their religious convictions and their 
civic and educational aims was of larger value. 

They fearlessly attacked evils like intemperance and gambling 
and vice and also the curse of human slavery, which many of the 
settlers north of the Ohio favored. } 

It was through these labors and conflicts that the greater 
problems of life, moral, educational and religious, in the new com- 
monwealth were wrought out. ) 

Is any homage too great to be paid to such heroic founders and 
builders of our civilization? 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 49 


THE CHURCH AS A COLONIZER 


This First Presbyterian Church of the year 1923—with its com- 
modious and well equipped edifice, its membership of more than a 
thousand, its boards of officers, Bible school, missionary and 
men’s and young people’s societies represents only in part the 
fruitage of that little vine planted in 1823. 

Out from that Christian society during the successive decades 
of the century have gone colony after colony of its members which 
have become in turn flourishing church societies. 

I am told that the Scuppernong grape can, in some soils, be 
made to grow and multiply in a remarkable way. It spreads out 
over a large surface. Runners from the vine are bent down into 
the ground at intervals, and taking root, form new vine-stalks. So 
through this process the vine becomes a vineyard. 

That is what the First Presbyterian Church has become. Under 
the providential care of the Vine Dresser it has sent out tendrils 
and shoots—has rooted itself in new places, and fostered the de- 
velopment of new vinestalks. Yet in all this multiplication it is 
essentially one vine. 

The first colony of which I have record, that went out, was 
that which in 1830 formed the Presbyterian Church of Wash- 
ington Township. That was only seven years after the First 
Church was organized. Mr. John Johnson, an elder, and Mr. 
Hiram Bacon and wife, were given letters of dismissal, and, along 
with others living in Washington township, were formed into a 
separate organization by Rev. John R. Moreland, then pastor of 
the First Church. In connection with his pastoral duties here, he 
preached to the new society from time to time. In the minutes of 
the General Assembly of 1830 the Washington Church reports a 
membership of twenty-seven. 

It is worthy of note that one of the leading members of that 
new church, Mr. John Nesbit, was the grandfather of one of our 
honored present members, Mrs. Mary Allen Evans Woollen. She 
has been requested to give us on Thursday evening a fuller record 
of the founding and history of that first of our church colonies. 

August 21, 1837, several members withdrew from this congre- 


50 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


gation to join with others in the formation of an Episcopal church, 
the first of that communion to be organized in our city. Rev. . 
James Greene said of those who went out to form the new society, 
‘‘Their preferences, and the membership of some, had previously 
been with the Protestant Episcopal, but as long as no church of 
their first choice existed here, they wisely gave their aid and in- 
fluence to that organization where they could be most comfortable 
and useful.’’ Two out of three of the vestrymen of the newly 
formed Christ Episcopal Chureh came from the First Presby- 
terian Church. 


In 1838, fifteen members of our church were at their own re- 
quest given letters of dismissal, and went out and organized the 
Second Presbyterian Church. The next year they secured Rev. 
Henry Ward Beecher as pastor and entered upon their remark- 
able career as an efficient and widely influential church of Jesus 
Christ. 


It was in 1837 that the unfortunate division of the Presbyterian 
Church in the United States into two branches, Old School and 
New School, took place. Following that, Presbyterian organiza- 
tions all over the land, either divided or affilated themselves with 
one of these branches. 


Rev. James Greene, speaking of the experience of our own 
Presbyterian communion here in Indianapolis says, ‘‘It is grati- 
fying to state that while many similar divisions of churches at that 
time resulted in strife and bickering, and even litigation, nothing 
of the kind occurred here. They (the members who went out) 
asked for a just and equitable division of the church property.”’ 
‘‘Committees were appointed * * * a just basis of action was 
readily agreed upon, and the transaction completed to the satis- 
faction of both parties in a fraternal and Christian manner. How 
good it is to be able to say that from that day to this, no root of 
bitterness, no envy or uncharitableness has sprung up between 
mother and daughter.’’ 


It was in 1876 that Mr. Greene gave that testimony to the genu- 


ine friendship and harmony that then had existed for thirty-eight 
years between the members of the two churches, working so near 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 51 


together in generous emulation, and now, forty and seven years 
later, I can give the same testimony with added emphasis. 

Some of the richest and most inspiring of my experiences in 
Indianapolis have been those that came to me through the friend- 
ships and the fellowships I have enjoyed with the members of the 
Second and the Tabernacle and the Fourth churches and others of 
our own denomination and also with the members of churches of 
other denominations. 

When we were located down at the corner of Pennsylvania 
and New York streets, we had for ten successive summers union 
services with the congregation of the First Baptist Church. That 
is, reckoned by Sundays, we had more than two years of united 
services of worship. Our removal up town in 1901 made these 
happy union services no longer practicable. 

The next colony from the First Church was that which went 
out in 1851. Rev. Dr. J. H. Nixon tells of it in these words, ‘‘The 
growth of the city and of the church seeming to have prepared 
the way for a new enterprise, on the twenty-third day of Septem- 
ber, 1851, a request was presented by twenty-two members headed 
by three elders, Messrs. Scudder, Blake and Newcomb, for certifi- 
cates of dismissal with a view to organizing the Third Presbyterian 
Church, a committee having been appointed by the Presbytery 
for that purpose. The request was granted with great cordiality, 
about twenty more members being dismissed soon after to assist the 
new organization.’’ 

Its subsequent exceptional prosperity as the Third Church, and 
then since 1884 as the Tabernacle, is well known, and is for us as 
well as for its members a cause of just pride and great joy. In 
fact the daughter has grown to be larger than the mother and has 
herself become the parent of missions and churches of influence 
and power. 

The same is true of the Sunday Schools and churches that owe 
their origin directly to the Second Church. 

In 1865, William Craig, an elder of the First Church, assisted 
by Ebenezer Sharpe and Chapin C. Foster and others began a 
Sunday School work in Peter Routier’s carpenter shop on the 
South Side. After two years of development of this enterprise, 


52 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


a house of worship was erected in 1867 and the Seventh Presby- 
terian Church was organized. Among its stated pulpit supplies 
were Rev. W. W. Sickels and Rev. James Greene for a time. Then 
under the pastorates of Rev. Charles Raymond and after him of 
Rev. Dr. R. V. Hunter and their successors, it became a church 
of exceptional spiritual zeal and influence. I may add that it has 
been equalled by few of the churches of the city in its missionary 
spirit and in its work among the young people. When the Chris- 
tian Endeavor movement began some forty years ago in New Eng- 
land and then spread like a prairie fire over the country, the pas- 
tor of the Seventh church, Dr. R. V. Hunter, was a leader of that 
movement in Indiana, an enthusiastic aggressive crusader in arous- 
ing the young people to their responsibilities and in leading them 
to enlist in definite forms of service ‘‘for Christ and His Church.”’ 

The Seventh Church furnished the first secretary for Indiana 
of the United Societies of Christian Endeavor—Miss Elizabeth M. 
Wishard. 

The Tabernacle for some years conducted a Sunday School and 
Mission in East Washington street under the leadership of one of 
its elders, Mr. M. V. McGilliard. The work prospered, a number 
of converts were gathered in, and in 1887 the East Washington 
Street, later known as the Westminister Church, was organized. 
When that church was formed the First Church dismissed to the 
new society a number of its members having homes in that part of 
the city. So also, when the Irvington Presbyterian Church was 
formed in 1906, we assisted in its formation and gave to it some of 
its leading officers and members. 

For some years the Olive Street Church on the South Side was, 
by action of Presbytery, entirely under our care, we furnishing it, 
besides financial aid, a superintendent, teachers and pulpit sup- 
plies. Then it was helped to secure a better location, its name 
was changed to The Troub Memorial and a new church edifice 
was erected. 

In North Indianapolis, members of the First Church conducted 
Sunday School work in a hall and held occasional preaching serv- 
ices. Thus the ground was prepared; the population of that part 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 58 


of the city increased, so that in 1897, the Home Presbyterian 
Church was organized by a committee of the Presbytery. 


The Sutherland Presbyterian Church on Bellefontaine street, 
grew out of Sunday School work carried on there for several years 
by members of the First and the Memorial churches. When Suth- 
erland church was organized, a house of worship was erected for 
the congregation by the First Church, in part through a bequest 
from one of our members, and in part by subscriptions made by 
them. Soon after the Rev. William Carson was installed as pastor. 
Our church continued to assist regularly in a financial way. After 
twelve years of successful labors, Mr. Carson resigned and went to 
another field of service, but not before he had built up a flourish- 
ing Sunday School and congregation, and had secured the funds 
for the enlarged and much better equipped church edifice they 
now enjoy. 

We have loaned to the Sutherland Church the historic big bell 
which was for so many years in the steeple of our house of worship 
on the corner of Pennsylvania and New York Streets. The last 
time the bell was used there was March 17, 1901, when it was tolled 
at the funeral of Elder Benjamin Harrison. 


Another enterprise to which we have had the privilege of 
‘lending a hand’’ is that in the Northeast part of the city, now 
known as the Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church at Park 
Avenue and Forty-seventh street. A small Sunday School was 
started in a hall at Central Avenue and Forty-sixth Street. One 
of our members living in that neighborhood was the superinten- 
dent. In response to his urgent request, a committee was appointed 
by the session of the First Church to aid in the development of 
the work. This committee consisted of Elder Hugh H. Hanna, 
Deacon Charles W. Mayer, and Trustee John F. Habbe. 


Largely through their efforts, the people living in that section 
were interested. Two good lots were donated and a building was 
erected. The First Church contributed twelve hundred dollars 
to the building fund. Then the Meridian Heights Church was 
organized by the Presbytery, and began its successful career. It 
enrolls at this time more than four hundred members. 


54 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


MINISTERS AND MISSIONARIES 


An important chapter in the story of this church is that fur- 
nished by the members who have devoted their lives to the work 
of the ministry, and by those who have gone out to foreign lands 
as missionaries. 

It is a remarkable testimony to Dr. Isaac Coe’s religious spirit 
that six of his relatives, members of the First Church, dedicated 
their lives to preaching the Christian Gospel. These six were: 
Rev. Henry I. Coe, a son; Rev. William Sickels (Sr.), a son-in-law; 
Rev. William W. Sickels and Rev. Edward C. Sickels, D. D., 
grandsons; Rev. William Sickels, now pastor of the First Presby- 
terian church of Deming, New Mexico, a great-grandson, and the 
Rey. Charles Axtell, a nephew. Besides these six, the church has 
given to the ministry the following men: 


*Rev. William A. Holliday, D. D., now living in advanced years 
in Plainfield, New Jersey. Dr. Holliday is the son of Rev. William 
A. Holliday, who was stated supply of the First Church for two 
years, from February, 1833. He is the brother of Elder John H. 
Holliday and of that consecrated missionary martyr, Miss Grettie 
Y. Holliday. 

Rev. James Kemper, Rev. J. Cooley Fletcher, Rev. John Dixon, 
D. D., Secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Home Missions, and 
Rev. William E. Bryce, D. D., of Wooster, Ohio, were furnished to 
the ranks of the Presbyterian ministry from the membership of 
this church. 

I wish I had the time and the materials to include in this ad- 
dress at least an outline sketch of the lives and labors of these 
ordained messengers of the gospel. That story should be told, and 
the narrative added to the historical records of our church. A 
notable minister, who for many years had an influential part in 
the work of the First Church, was the Rey. James Greene. He was 
a member of the congregation from 1853 to his death in 1893, a 
teacher of a Bible class in the Sunday School, often a leader of the 
mid-week service, clerk of the session and also of the congrega- 
tion. To my predecessor Rev. Myron Reed, during his pastorate, 


*[Rev. Wm. A. Holliday died January 21, 1924.] 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 55 


and to myself in the years that followed, he gave unfailing codp- 
eration and help, and was virtually an assistant pastor. For 
more than thirty years he served as clerk of the congregation. 
After his death, his son Deacon Davies M. Greene,* was elected 
his successor, so for sixty years the father and son have performed 
the duties of this office. 

The First Church from its beginning has been notable for its 
zeal in the work of Christian Missions. This was shown in the 
earlier years especially in the active part its members took in 
establishing Sunday Schools in the city and county and beyond, 
and in the formation from time to time of new churches by 
colonies. | 


The following members have gone out to missionary labors in 
foreign lands: 

Mr. Thomas Brown, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. L. G. Hay, Miss Grettie 
Y. Holliday, Dr. Oliver T. Logan, Miss Mira Sutherland, Miss 
Florence Sayer. 

In April, 1873, James M. Ray, then living in Washington, D. C., 
wrote a long letter to be read at the semi-centennial of the Sun- 
day Schools of Indianapolis. In it he said: 


‘‘A prominent feature in the training of our scholars was to 
induce their earning and contributing means to aid in forming 
Sunday Schools in the opening West, and in sending missionaries 
abroad. Thus quite early, when an application came from the 
Board of Foreign Missions for a missionary printer to go abroad, 
Thomas Brown, one of our oldest scholars, a journeyman in the 
Journal office, cheerfully made an offer of his services, which was 
accepted, but only a week or so before he was to sail, he was noti- 
fied that he must take a wife with him. 

‘‘In this emergency, having heard that a young lady had just 
arrived at the Rev. Mr. Post’s, at Logansport, as a teacher from 
the East, we commended our young friend to the excellent min- 
ister, and on the third day thereafter Mr. and Mrs. Brown parted 
from us on their mission, after a crowded meeting in the old 
church on Pennsylvania street, which was attended by the judges 








*[Mr. Davies M. Greene died March 27, 1924.) 


56 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of courts, lawyers, and other strangers here, with many citizens, 
excited with this strange spectacle in our western woods. 

‘‘But the deepest interest ever awakened as to foreign missions 
in our Sunday school was when in after years brother L. G. Hay 
evinced the sincerity of his zeal for the salvation of the idolatrous 
heathen, and with his beloved wife, also a beloved teacher, bade 
us, as we felt, a final farewell on their departure as missionaries 
to the Indies of the East; from whence after years of blessed labor 
for the Master, they were mercifully spared to escape from the 
blood-thirsty Sepoys, in the rebellion in northern India, who had 
mercilessly slaughtered other missionaries of the same Board with 
their wives and children. They are with you today to enjoy this 
festival of precious memories while still engaged in their Master’s 
work in their native land.’’ 

I may add to Mr. Ray’s letter the statement that in 1885 Dr. L. 
G. Hay was yet living and preaching and gave the charge to the 
congregation in April of that year, when I was installed as pastor 
of the First Church. 

Among the foremost on the honor roll of our church is in- 
scribed the name of Miss Grettie Y. Holliday. She went to Persia 
in 1883. 

After more than a third of a century of labors in that land, 
broken in health by her experiences of hardships and sufferings, 
especially during and following the World War, she came home 
to die. She passed to her reward March 17, 1920. Here is one 
of the testimonies to her character and life. ‘‘The members of 
this church and especially the members of the Woman’s Home 
and Foreign Missionary Society, whose representative she was for 
thirty-seven years in the foreign field, would express their deep 
admiration and affection for her strength and beauty of char- 
acter, her devoted service in the spreading of Christ’s Gospel, and 
her never-failing loyalty to this church, in which she was born and 
reared to womanhood and where her early service was given. 

‘‘From her early girlhood Miss Holliday had been deeply inter- 
ested in and drawn toward foreign mission work. In many ways 
she prepared herself for it. In this aspiration she was aided and 
encouraged by her mother whose constant companion she was in 








MISS GRETTIE Y. HOLLIDAY 


Representative of the First Church on 
the Foreign Mission Field in Persia, 
1883-1920 





LAYING OF THE CORNER STONE OF THE PRESENT (FOURTH) BUILDING OF THE 

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SOUTHEAST CORNER OF DELAWARE AND SIX- 

THENTH STREETS, ON JUNE 26, 1902, BY MR. JOHN H. HOLLIDAY, CHAIRMAN OF 
THE BUILDING COMMITTEE 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH af 


her last years. After the death of her mother in 1881, the way 
was open for the realization of her hope. She offered herself to 
the Board of the Northwest for service. 

‘‘The Board gladly accepted her and assigned her to the station 
at Tabriz, Persia. The Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of 
this church at once asked to be allowed to support Miss Holliday, 
and for thirty-seven years she was the link that bound it most 
closely to the mission field. 

‘‘During these years, broken by only three furloughs for visits 
home, her work was continuous, both educational and evangelistic. 
Her courage and faith never failed, her spirit never flagged. Dur- 
ing the four years in which ‘Persia was not in the war, but the 
war was in Persia,’ she underwent every hardship of a besieged 
and starving people. * * * * 

‘‘The intimate knowledge of Miss Holliday’s work, imparted 
to us by her wonderful letters, has been an inspiration to the 
ehurch and its missionary societies. Her memory will remain an 
imperishable heritage of the First Presbyterian Church.’’ 

This fitting and deserved tribute was prepared by Mrs. W. W. 
Woollen, Mrs. Howard M. Foltz, Mrs. Jacob P. Dunn and Miss 
Flora M. Ketcham. ; 

Dr. Oliver Tracy Logan is another missionary martyr whose 
name the First Church loves to honor. For a quarter of a century 
he and his equally efficient and devoted wife gave themselves to 
missionary labors in inland China, before he met his tragic death 
at the hands of a Chinese brigand in 1920. 


He came to Indianapolis in September, 1892, and entered the 
Indiana Medical College. For the five years that followed, includ- 
ing his service as an interne in the city hospital, he was a member 
of the First Church, active in its work, especially among the young 
people. Dr. David Ross, of our session, a fellow student and inti- 
mate friend of Dr. Logan, writes these words of his life as a 
student and of his missionary labors: 

‘Tt did not satisfy Dr. Logan that by hard work intelligently 
directed he led his class, but his influence was always aggressively 
for the right, and for open Christian living. At the end of his 
college course he went to the City Hospital as senior interne. It 


58 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


was my pleasure to be associated with him here. It was here he 
met her, who was to be his true helpmate and inspiration in his 
later work, one of God’s noble women. 

‘‘Of their work in inland China, of the privations they endured 
to carry the ‘good news’ and healing to those who then ‘received 
them not,’ is in part known to us all. 

‘‘Tt would take volumes to tell the complete story. But we can 
reverently thank God that Dr. Logan lived to see individual and 
public sentiment completely change in their behalf. His advice 
was sought by men of high estate, and in addition to his work in 
the hospital and as a religious teacher, he was called upon as a 
teacher of medicine, both as a lecturer and writer for medical 
journals. 

‘“War and pestilence added to his duties, and in such times not- 
ably in cholera epidemics, the work done by himself and Mrs. 
Logan is past belief. After their return here in 1918, they volun- 
teered because of the urgent need for medical workers, and were 
sent by the Red Cross to Vladivostok. Mrs. Logan was in charge 
of the nurses in the Red Cross Hospital at that place and Dr. 
Logan busy in the professional work in the hospitals. 

‘‘The rigors of the climate, hard work and privations completely 
undermined his health, and he was compelled to return to America 
for medical and surgical care. Later he was joined by Mrs. Lo- 
gan, who had returned with a hospital ship of disabled soldiers. 
After a visit with their daughter and son in the South they re- 
turned to their field of labor in Hunan, China. We are pleased 
to call Dr. Logan one of our own. We have had in a small way 
some part in his work, but what are we going to do to really prove 
that we belonged to him? The challenge of such a life is for the 
best that in us lies to carry on, when he has fallen.’’ 

Miss Mira Sutherland, a member of the First Church, after tak- 
ing the course of instruction in a training school for nurses in 
Indianapolis, offered her services to our Foreign Missionary 
Board, was accepted and given by them the responsible place of 
Head Nurse in the Women’s Department of the American Hos- 
pital in Teheran, Persia. There she continued up to and through 
the trying experiences of the World War. Her influence for good 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 59 


was large for the spiritual as well as the physical welfare of the 
women and children under her care. She married one of the 
teachers of the Presbyterian Mission School in Teheran, Mr. F. D. 
Bird. Her husband’s health becoming seriously impaired through 
the trying experiences of the World War—they returned to the 
United States and are now living in Los Angeles, California, 
where Professor Bird is a member of the faculty of Occidental 
College. 

Miss Florence Sayer was from childhood brought up in the 
First Church. In 1916, after her graduation from college, she 
went to Colombia, South America, where she was a capable teach- 
er in the Christian schools under charge of our Board of Foreign 
Missions. 

Under the strain of the labors, her health became seriously 
impaired, and by order of the physicians she was compelled to re- 
turn home for rest and hospital treatment. After a year and 
more, eager to resume her loved work, she sailed again for South 
America in 1920. But again after a time came a physical break- 
down, necessitating her coming back to this country. Here, as 
her strength returns she finds a field for valuable Christian ser- 
vice among the missionary societies and churches of our Synod. 

It should be a matter of just pride to us that our First Church 
has given to the Home and the Foreign Mission Boards two offi- 
cers who have been among the foremost in those great organizations 
in administrative ability. Rev. Dr. John Dixon went from our 
church into the ministry, and, after successful pastorates in the 
Middle States, was elected in 1898 as one of the secretaries of the 
Board of Home Missions. He has given to that important work 
more than twenty-four years of efficient and valuable service. 

Mr. Dwight H. Day, son of our Senior Elder, Mr. Thomas C. 
Day, was from childhood identified with the First Church. After 
his graduation from college, he entered into business life in New 
York, and a few years later, in 1906, was elected Treasurer of the 
Board of Foreign Missions. During the seventeen years that have 
followed of remarkable enlargement and increased influence, the 
work of that great Mission Board has owed not a little to the self- 
sacrificing labors and the administrative ability of its treasurer 


60 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


A notable missionary campaign began in the First Church in 
1915. A ‘‘Missionary Institute’’ was held under the leadership of 
Rev. Dr. Charles E. Bradt, Field Secretary of the Board of For- 
eign Missions, assisted by a half score of experts in home and for- 
eign work. The movement was led in the church by Mr. Hugh 
H. Hanna, Mr. John H. Holliday and a number of others of our 
officers and members. Out of it came enlarged knowledge of, 
and quickened interest in the world work of the Church, and great- 
ly increased contributions that provided for the support of special 
persons and fields. Before three years had passed, the church was 
pledged to the maintenance of two ‘‘pastors’’ and two women mis- 
sionaries on foreign fields—and two thousand dollars annually 
toward the support of missionary parishes in China, and India 
and West Africa. 

EDUCATION*™ 

Last evening, Rev. Dr. Charles H. Winders, representing the 
Chureh Federation of Indianapolis, congratulated our church as 
being the pioneer and, in the years since, a powerful influence in 
the work of education. That educational work began early. 

When Isaac Coe and his associates started the first Sunday 
School in April 1828, ‘‘the town lacked schools for general edu- 
cation so the Union School undertook to teach reading, writing 
and arithmetic in addition to Bible instruction.’’ Rev. J. Cooley 
Fletcher declares it to be a noteworthy fact that from 1822 to 1839 
the Presbyterians had the best schools in Indianapolis. The church 
edifice erected by them in July, 1823, included a room arranged 
for school use on week days as well as on Sundays. In April, 1824, 
a private week day school was opened in that room under Presby- 
terian auspices. Ebenezer Sharpe, who for sixteen years had been 
an instructor in Greek and Latin in Transylvania University, 
Kentucky, moved with his family to Indianapolis and, in Novem- 
ber, 1826, opened the first classical school in the new capital. He 
was an elder in the First Church. 

Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Goodwin, for many years one of the leaders 
among the Methodist ministers of Indiana, in an historical paper 
written in 1898, has this to say: 


*See page 407. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 61 


‘One chapter of the yet unwritten history of Presbyterianism 
in Indiana should set forth the preeminent influence of that 
Church in the cause of education. 

‘Not only did the preachers man the county seminaries and 
take possession of the embryo Indiana University to the exclusion 
of all others, but they early established Wabash and Hanover col- 
leges as distinctly denominational schools, in advance of any other 
denominations, and organized and sustained many academies of 
less pretentious character, many of which were under the control 
of the local Presbytery. More frequently they were private enter- 
prises, such as the Axtell and the McLean Schools in Indianapolis, 
and the Anderson at New Albany, most, if not all of which gave 
way to our high schools when these came, but without which the 
school wants of their period would have been poorly supplied.’’ 

May I add to Dr. Goodwin’s statements—the fact that the Ax- 
tell School and the McLean Seminary for girls, both of which had a 
large influence on the life of the city in their time, were founded 
by members of our church. Hanover and Wabash Colleges owe 
much to the encouragement and the large financial gifts they 
have received from our own and other Presbyterian churches of 
Indianapolis. Mr. Harry J. Milligan*, a member and officer of 
the First Presbyterian Church, made to Wabash College a bequest 
of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

And now we have provided, through the princely bequest of 
another of our members, the late Mr. Henry C. Long**, the sum of 
half a million dollars, with which to lay the foundations of a Chris- 
tian college for women. Six of the ten members of its board of 
trustees, according to the directions of the will, have been chosen 
from the officers of the First Presbyterian Church. It may be 
several years yet before the desire of Mr. Long can be realized, 
but I believe the time will come when we will have here such a 
woman’s college. 

Co-educational colleges have their field, and it is a large one, 
but there is both room and need for a college for women in Indi- 
ana like Wellesley in Massachusetts and Vassar in New York and 
Bryn Mawr in Pennsylvania. 


*See page 410. 
**See page 411. 


62 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


The work the First Church has accomplished during the suc- 
cessive years of the century has not been chiefly due to its min- 
isters, its office bearers, and its men and women of prominence. 
Some few of these leaders I have named, and we give to them and 
to all the other leaders, the meed of praise they so fully deserve. 
But most of the great work of this church has been wrought by the 
four thousand two hundred and thirty-seven men and women, boys 
and girls, who up to this date have been included in its member- 
ship. We should give our special tribute of gratitude and honor 
to the unnamed many, who in ‘the congregation and the Bible 
School and the missionary and aid societies, and young peoples’ 
associations and bands, have been faithful in service and prayers 
and gifts. Thankful am I beyond expression in words that, for 
these five and thirty years and more, my lot has been cast in this 
field of service and, with such a body of Christian people. Precious 
and happy memories are mine of the years of unbroken fellow- 
ship in the worship and work of our Divine Lord. 

And yet I do not imply that I have met with no trials or cross- 
purposes. I have not been an ideal minister, and some of the saints 
of this church, lke the ‘‘saints’’ of New Testament times, have 
been a little angular. But somehow, we learned to hold different 
opinions without having divisions of heart. 

Our church has been notable for the spirit of unity and har- 
mony that has characterized its ife—and yet it has never been a 
church of any one special class. It has included persons from 
practically all the varied realms of life of our cosmopolitan city. 
They hold widely different political and economic, and profes- 
sional views, and have convictions that vary each from the other 
concerning secondary matters of Christian belief. But they are 
united as members of this communion, in their common faith in 
Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour; many members in one body, 
having diverse forms and functions, but all in sympathetic cooper- 
ation—worshipping and working together in unity of spirit, and in 
the bond of peace. 

Looking backward, as we have been doing this week, I am con- 
fident we have all gained an enlarged appreciation of this his- 
toric church. Its life has been contemporaneous with the life of 
our capital city. Organized when Indianapolis was a straggling 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 63 


village and before the seat of government was established here, it 
has, during these one hundred years, exerted an influence of un- 
measured value upon the growing life of the community. 

After all, religion is the most valuable and potent factor in the 
life of a city or state. It is more important to trace the moral and 
spiritual development of a community than its economic and in- 
dustrial evolution. 

The study of material conditions has a large place but the 
transformation and upbuilding of characters by moral and spirit- 
ual agencies, is of transcendent importance. John Wesley and 
George Whitfield were not reckoned among the statesmen, but 
during the closing years of the eighteenth century they were the 
leaders in that religious movement that exerted an influence over 
the English people, greater than that of all the statesmen of their 
time. That is the opinion of such an historian as Lecky. I believe 
that the Church has more to do with the creation of character 
and of enlightened moral sentiment, and so with the making of 
civilization, than any other institution outside of the family. 

Our fathers and mothers in the faith labored and we enter 
into and enjoy the rich fruits of their labors. Truly, we have a 
goodly heritage. We will prize it and cherish it for ourselves and 
for those who come after us. 

In the lower part of New York City, on Broadway, is a church 
that for more than a century has kept the graves of her dead about 
her. The members of that religious society preserve and defend 
the old burying ground—‘‘God’s acre,’’—against all encroach- 
ments of trade. A few years ago the offer of five million dollars 
for that small plot of ground, to be used for business purposes, 
was refused. There are moral and spiritual values that cannot be 
measured in silver and gold. It is a solemn responsibility, as well 
as a high privilege, to be the possessors, the stewards rather, of the 
inheritance that is ours in this church of Jesus Christ. 

We should earnestly pray God that we may prove ourselves 
worthy of it. Wordsworth at one time was urged to lend himself 
to an unworthy cause. He answered, ‘‘I cannot. My fathers gave 
vows for me. I cannot betray my ancestors.’’ 

Our fathers in the faith gave vows to God for us. We cannot 
betray that trust and we will not. 


SOME WOMEN OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN THE 
KIGHTIES 


EvauIne M. Houumay (Mrs. Joun H.) 


Centennial Service, Thursday Evening, June 14, 1923. 


I wish that my recollections might go back one hundred years, 
but they recall only those distinguished women of forty-eight 
years ago! Some present may recall other women of that period, 
who made a distinct impression on them, but it is of my group I 
must speak. Is it possible there is such a group among us today, 
and, as our moderator indicated, we do not recognize them? 

I came to Indianapolis from Baltimore in November 1875, and 
at that time there was no pastor in the church; the Rev. Myron 
Reed was installed in February 1877. My title indicates a later 
period, but even then the years merged into one another, and with 
the beginning of Mr. Reed’s pastorate the church life seemed to 
me, a stranger, to revive. 

In the eighties we had evening socials, evening church parties; 
the women were divided alphabetically or according to choice, into 
sections, and each section gave one party a year. The leaders, 
having been selected, met together and selected members, according 
to acquaintance and effectiveness, a fair assortment of newcomers 
being assigned to each group. Each paid an assessment, but the 
making of money by an evening party, was unknown. Every Sat- 
urday afternoon a Mothers’ Meeting was held in the infant-class 
room, where indigent mothers were instructed in sewing and in 
the Bible. Light refreshments were served. The latter was a 
source of difference, because a few worldly-minded ladies among 
us objected to the spotting of the carpet by children who accom- 
panied their mothers. What a poor reason for excluding these 
poor from the means of Grace! 

The Pastor’s Aid Society, predecessor of the Needle Auxiliary, 


64 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 65 


conducted its affairs much as its successor has done. One of our 
comic writers has said of his town: ‘‘ We had no newspaper, but we 
had a Sewing Society,’’ and this suggests the pleasant, familiar, 
not unkind nature, of our informal gatherings. Our missionary 
society was always a very strong element among our women, it 
having always been a power in the church life, and it persists. 

It has been said that many of the women of the later days re- 
ceived, in the missionary societies, the training and education that 
gave them the knowledge and effectiveness in the conduct of club 
and political associations. 

Mrs. Alma Coe Sickels, daughter of our revered Dr. Isaac Coe 
and grandmother of Mr. Henry C. and Miss Anna Sickels and 
their sisters, was one of the oldest women in the church. During 
the later years of her life she was quite blind. Her well-stored mind 
and cheerful spirit made her a charming companion, and she and 
my husband’s mother spent long days together every week in true 
sociability and tender friendship. A conspicuous woman of that 
time was my husband’s mother, Lucia Shaw Holliday, widow of 
the Rev. William A. Holliday. She was notably kind, hospitable, 
cheerful and sympathetic. She was always at home, except on 
Sunday, when in spite of declining years—she was about seventy 
then—she would go to church, unless the skies were falling. Her 
outstanding quality was her sympathetic nature and some of the 
friends present may remember that to her we went for ready sym- 
pathy and loving kindness. It was no small item that she was al- 
ways to be found seated by the south windows in her pleasant 
sitting room. Her granddaughters, Mrs. Benjamin D. Hitz, and 
Mrs. Joseph J. Daniels and her great-grandson, Benjamin Hitz 
III are members of this church. Her grandson, John H. Holliday 
Jr., 1s one of our gold star members. 

Mrs. Thomas H. Sharpe, whose great-grandchildren (Hanna 
by name) are with us, was to my mind the leading lady of the 
ehurch. She was instant in every good word and work. She 
seemed to me rather austere, but her friend and companion, Mrs. 
Caleb C. Burgess, was full of New England vivacity, cheer and 
kindliness. They made an excellent pair and they were constantly 
together. They conducted mothers’ meetings, arranged lists for 


66 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the socials, attended prayer meeting, visited the strangers, looked 
after the sick, watched by the dying. We were always pleased 
to see these ladies enter our doors. 

Mrs. William H. Latham, whose great-grandchildren (Breunig 
by name) are with us, was of a rather different type. She always 
taught in Sunday School, was always dignified and quiet, devoted 
to duty. She was handsome, becomingly dressed, pleasant and was 
indeed an agreeable hostess, when we visited her beautiful gardens 
on East Washington Street. Mrs. John R. Elder was dear to me; 
she came from Carlisle, Penna., where kin of mine resided. Her 
sweetness, her love of flowers, her ready smile are still remem- 
bered. She said to me with proper pride, ‘‘ Anyone can raise girls, 
but not every one can raise boys.’’ Bowman Elder and his chil- 
dren are descendants of this gracious lady and one of our gold star 
men, Harris Blackledge, was her grandson. 

Mrs. Thomas MacIntire was to my mind an ideal lady. (One of 
her great-grandchildren, Mary Edith Foster, united with this 
church quite recently.) Mrs. MacIntire was tall, graceful, hand- 
some, always gracious and kind, and bearing a certain dignity that 
impressed me as exactly what a lady should show. 

These ladies were, without exception, members of the mis- 
slonary society, where their minds were broadened, and their in- 
telligence quickened by its excellent meetings. 

Mrs. Benjamin Harrison belonged to a younger group; she too 
was a power. Her tastes were artistic, her creations in needle- 
work lovely and her vitality charming. She laughed readily and 
her gaiety and intellectual gifts made her delightful to the younger 
women coming into the church. 

Some of those present remember Miss Mattie Stewart. She 
had a sharp way with her, but she was truly kind. Her great love 
of flowers, her successful cultivation of them, her beautiful taste 
in decorating the pulpit on all occasions, gave her a particular 
place among us. 

There must necessarily be forgotten worthies in every list, and 
those women of lesser importance to me, being nearer my age and 
position, may be named too: Mrs. William W. Johnston, Mrs. 
Alfred Harrison, Mrs. Elijah B. Martindale, Mrs. Sarah J. Pat- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 67 


tison, Mrs. James Greene, Mrs. Fabius M. Finch, Mrs. Flora C. 
Jones, Mrs. Addison L. Roache. 

I rejoice to believe in the immortality of influence. Think of 
that phrase. Are we not in this church indebted to these, our pred- 
ecessors, and our exemplars? ‘‘They rest from their labors, and 
their works do follow them.’’ 


AN EARLY MISSION 


Mrs. WitLIAM WATSON WOOLLEN 
Centennial Service, Thursday Evening, June 14, 1923. 


When I was honored by being asked to speak ten minutes this 
evening, I promptly accepted, saying to myself, ‘‘I will talk about 
the Washington Church. I know it was a child of the First.”’ 

This was a country church seven or eight miles from here. Now 
we locate it by saying it was a half mile east of Keystone Avenue 
where 57th Street crosses it. Fifty-seventh is just south of Broad 
Ripple. It was a church of importance and influence in the pio- 
neer community which it served for perhaps twenty-five years and 
then disappeared. That is the right word—it just disappeared. 
The fact of its one-time existence has been established. I think it 
will interest you to know how this bit of history was saved from 
oblivion. | 

A few years ago, when it was too late to ask any one who. 
knew, I suddenly wanted to know what had been the first church 
connection in Indiana of my great-grandmother, Agnes McClin- 
tock Nesbit, and my grandfather, John Nesbit, and assumed it had 
been with this church. I read the minutes of the First Church 
covering the short period of their lives here and found no record 
of the name. [ then turned to, or for the records of Washington 
Church, of which I knew my grandfather was a member at the 
time of his death, to be told that these records had been burned 
when the home of Mr. William Culbertson, an elder who had the 
care of them, was entirely destroyed by fire a good many years 
before. 

Discouraged, I gave up my search for a time. Our centennial 
stirred me to a new interest in this almost forgotten church. 
Again J asked for the First Church records, hoping to find in 
them at least mention of its beginnings. I found nothing except 

68 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 69 


the dismissal of John Johnson, an elder, ‘‘to Washington Church, 
Marion County,’’ but this without date, and the records had the 
names of Hiram and Mary Alice Bacon who I knew had been 
members of the country church. 

I then turned to other sources for information and have gath- 
ered here a word, there a line, a few paragraphs and some valu- 
able ‘‘recollections’’ from all of which I have reached the follow- 
ing conclusions, which I hope you will accept when I have told my 
story. 

To repeat something of what Dr. Haines said: The Washington 
Church was organized late in 1829 or in 1830 before the first of 
May when reports of churches must go in for the General Assem- 
bly. It was organized by Dr. Moreland, then pastor of this 
church, with twenty-seven members. The land for church and 
churchyard was given by a member, Joseph Culbertson, and the 
building paid for by subscription. The building was used for 
church purposes well into the fifties (a period of about twenty- 
five years) and later as a school house. A stone now in the church 
yard shows burials as late as 1862. It had from the beginning 
and so long as it continued as a church, a close connection with 
this First Church, not as a mission in quite the sense we use that 
word now, but rather as a self-supporting church with the relations 
of a child of this church, which always felt a deep interest in it 
and which served it in many ways. 

To establish these claims, I have the following evidence: As to 
time of organization: The report of the General Assembly for 
1830 shows Washington Church, P. O. Indianapolis, twenty-seven 
members and without a pastor. The report of 1829 shows no such 
ehurch; 1831 again reports it. 

As evidence that Dr. Moreland organized the church: Its mem- 
bership was largely made up of Scotch and Scotch-Irish Presby- 
terians from Bourbon and Harrison Counties, Kentucky, who 
came to Indiana between 1828 and 1830. Some of them had lived 
between Cynthiana and Paris—four to eight miles from these 
towns. Dr. Moreland had been a pastor in one or the other of 
these places for twelve years and must have been well known to 
many of this group. As some one they knew and as the only 


70 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Presbyterian pastor here, they would inevitably have consulted 
Dr. Moreland about their church connection. The number and 
quality of these families warranted a church of their own, one that 
would be a few miles from their homes, as against their having to 
come eight or ten miles to the First Church. Miss Wishard thinks 
her mother told her that her grandfather, Dr. Moreland, organized 
the Washington Church but she was not sure enough of it to men- 
tion it in a sketch of Dr. Moreland prepared by her a few years ago. 
But she is very certain of her’ mother’s saying Dr. Moreland 
preached often in that church. Of course, Dr. Moreland recom- 
mended and organized the church. 

As to the length of time the building was used as a church: 
Rev. Henry Isaac Coe, son of Dr. Isaac Coe, was ordained in 1850, 
and later served the Washington Church in some way, whether as 
stated supply or only as a missionary worker, I do not know. In 
my early womanhood I used often to hear him spoken of in con- 
nection with the old church. I myself remember very well his 
pastoral visits to my mother. These facts I think establish the 
use of the church into the early fifties. An aside, but to illustrate 
Presbyterian custom at that time: I also remember that on the 
occasion of Mr. Coe’s visits, my brother and I were brought in, 
frightened little children, and catechized—you hardly know the 
word now. Mr. Coe would begin by way of review with ‘‘ What is 
the chief end of man?’’ In advance, the question might be ‘‘ What 
is effectual calling?’’ or ‘‘ What is justification?’’ Milk for babes! 

To return to my proofs: In Sulgrove’s history of Indianapolis 
and Marion County is the following under ‘‘Churches of the 
(Washington) Township:’’ ‘‘The Washington Presbyterian 
Church was built about the year 1838, by subscription, on the farm 
of Joseph Culbertson. It was a small frame building and was used 
as a church about ten or twelve years. The building soon after- 
wards became dilapidated and was torn down. It stood about one- 
half mile north of where Malott Park now is. The number of 
members at organization was about twenty-five, among whom 
were the following: Hiram Bacon, Mary Alice Bacon, Joseph Cul- 
bertson, Elizabeth Culbertson, John Nesbit, Mary Nesbit, Mar- 
garet Nesbit, Nancy Nesbit, Paulina McClung, old Mrs. McClung, 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH veal 


Cynthia McClung, Samuel McClung, John Johnson, James Brown 
and wife, James Gray and Sallie Gray. 

‘‘John Nesbit,. Joseph Culbertson and Hiram Bacon were the 
first trustees. The first preacher was John Moreland who re- 
mained with them four years. The next was William Sickels. He 
remained with them four or five years, after which there was 
no regular preaching and when services were held there it was by 
transient ministers. After the place was abandoned, the class went 
to Broad Ripple and united with the Union Church.’’ 

T'wo inaccuracies in this statement: As to the date 1838, Dr. 
Moreland died in 1832 and both John and Mary Nesbit in 1835. 
Dr. Moreland was pastor of the first church in 1830. The church 
was used more than ten or twelve years as I have shown by the 
services of Rev. Henry I. Coe. A paragraph of value was found in 
a scrap book made by Mrs. Wm. W. Sickels. 

In a notice of the death of Rev. Edward Cook Sickels was the 
following : 

‘*Rev. Edward Cook Sickels, D. D., son of Rev. William Sickels 
and Alma Coe Sickels, was born in 1835 on a farm owned by his 
father a short distance from Malott Park. 

‘““There was then in the neighborhood a flourishing Presbyter- 
ian church, of which his father was then pastor, sustained by the 
early settlers, such families as the Culbertsons, the MecClungs, 
Nesbits, Bacons and others.’’ 


As another illustration of the Presbyterian custom of the early 
days: This story was told me by Mrs. Sloan, the daughter of Mr. 
Bacon, who gave me permission to repeat it. Like many pioneers, 
Mr. Bacon fell upon hard times. His wife, who had once lived on 
a dairy farm in Massachusetts, suggested that they buy a few 
more cows and she would make cheese which would bring in some 
money. The cheese making began. Then as now cows gave milk 
on Sunday as on Monday, and, to make good cheese, the milk must 
be used at once. The command ‘‘only works of necessity and 
mercy’’ had a very limited interpretation in those days. The 
elders of the church visited Mr. and Mrs. Bacon. There was much 
discussion about Sunday cheese making. There were said to have 
been suggestions of giving the milk to the pigs or of not milking 


12 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the cows at all on Sunday. Mrs. Bacon strongly defended her- 
self, saying she got up at four o’clock, almost before the Sabbath 
began, to milk the cows and make the cheese. She was sure it 
interfered with no duty nor with church-going. The result was 
what often follows discipline even today—the cheese making went 
on, and there was a considerable coolness between the two parties 
for a time. 


I recently asked an elderly man, whose family had been mem- 
bers of the Washington Church, if he remembered the names of 
any men who had preached there. 


He said, “Veg Dr. Gurley preached there.’’ 


He probably preached there very often. Dr. Gurley is at the 
very center of my interest in this church, which was fixed by an 
event that must have occurred after 1847 (Dr. Gurley left here in 
1849). I assume that there had been no regular pastor for a few 
years previous to 1846 and in consequence the baptism of children 
had been neglected. Dr. Gurley held a sacramental service and 
baptized the children. 


Always, there has been in my mind a distinct, unchanging pic- 
ture of this seene. Warmth and sunshine come in through the un- 
curtained windows, and this is what I see: A semi-circle of little 
children about the high pulpit, a few tall people, Dr. Gurley with 
a baptismal bowl. The picture on my memory was snapped just as 
Dr. Gurley stood opposite me, I was looking up at him, the bowl 
was held in one hand and the other just over it ready to touch the 
water. This picture is as distinct as a photograph held before 
my eyes. ‘T'wo other persons remember this baptism, Mrs. Sloan 
and my brother. | 


An early teacher who taught in the church was Miss Hammond 
who came from the Connecticut Missionary Society. How and 
why she came I do not know. I remember the emphasis she put 
upon the Bible teaching. I was interested Tuesday evening in 
Dr. Haines’ saying in connection with the marriage of Mr. Brown 
and the young woman who was recommended for his wife, ‘‘She 
was a Christian teacher from the East.’’ Perhaps she too came 
from the Connecticut Missionary Society. Mrs. William A. Holli- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 13 


day’s sister, Miss Cruft, also taught in this church and boarded 
at Mr. Bacon’s home. I was her pupil. 

I was very much surprised at the statement made, Tuesday 
evening, about the scarcity of copies of the Confession of Faith in 
our church. I think there was a Confession of Faith in most of 
the homes of the second generation of this old church and I have 
seen them in the homes of the third generation. This was the 
period of the colporteur in the state. His pack was mostly filled 
with religious books. My mother bought and read them. Her 
father’s books were divided among his six children, and were 
mostly devotional books. Two unusually lght ones fell to my 
mother—Josephus, and Plutarch’s Lives. 

Mr. Sulgrove says, ‘‘ After the church was abandoned the class 
went to Broad Ripple and united with the Union Church.’’ The 
Washington Church was the only Presbyterian church ever estab- 
lished or even considered, in Washington Township. The town- 
ship belongs to the Methodists. A Union Church was maintained 
at Broad Ripple for a few years and then became Methodist. To 
this effort at union the Presbyterians contributed both means and 
service, but none of them so far as I know ever united with a 
church of another denomination. It was a period of strong de- 
nominational feeling and the churches said hard things about 
each other. The Presbyterians suffered from a particularly sting- 
ing lash. The position of these people was well exemplified by the 
attitude of my aunt, Mrs. Ruddell, the grandmother of Mr. Almus 
Ruddell. Her husband was an officer and the chief supporter in 
every way of the Methodist church in Allisonville. They kept 
open house for all the Methodist preachers in the district, but 
when questioned about her connection with that church, Mrs. Rud- 
dell always replied, ‘‘No, not a member, only a boarder.’’ And 
she was a lovely boarder until her husband’s death, when she re- 
turned to the faith of her fathers in attendance on Presbyterian 
service. 

My mother came to Indianapolis from her farm, for a few 
years’ stay, in the early fall of 1859. Evidently her letter did not 
reach the session before the fall communion and then members 
were received only at communion season. January, 1860, she 


74. CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


publicly became a member of this church on certificate from the 
Washington Church. 

I united with the church in 1866. My children were baptized 
in the church, grew up in it, and, as time has passed, they and my 
grandchildren have united with the church and claimed their in- 
heritanece. This inheritance began to accumulate in 1830 when 
Dr. Moreland and my grandfather were united in establishing the 
Washington Church, the first child of this church. It seems 
strange that so vigorous a church should have lived so short a time 
and disappeared so completely. 

There are now in this church four members, great-great-great- 
erandsons of Agnes Nesbit of the Washington Church, in which 
her son, John Nesbit, was an elder, as he had been an elder in the 
Stonermouth Presbyterian Church in Kentucky. I refer to the 
two sons of Mr. Ruddell and my own two grandsons. May each 
contribute worthy service to the Church. 


DR. ISAAC COE 
Mr. Henry CoE SICKELS 


Centennial Service, Thursday evening, June 14, 1923. 


No biography of Dr. Coe has been written, nor memoirs left by 
him, so that in preparing a sketch of his life one must depend for 
materials upon brief historical articles, anniversary addresses and 
scattered information that may be found in Sunday School reports 
and newspapers. The Indianapolis newspapers of a century ago— 
the Western Censor and the Indianapolis Gazette—gave columns 
of front page space to the annual report of the Sunday School; 
it was one of the chief institutions of the town. 

Dr. Edson, former pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, 
in an anniversary sermon in 1876, states that the first of the name 
of Coe to come to America was Robert Coe from Ipswich, Suffolk- 
shire, England, who, with seventy-four other pilgrims, came over 
in 1634. He resided at Watertown, Massachusetts, and afterward 
at Stamford, Connecticut. His grandfather, Roger Coo (so 
spelled), suffered martyrdom in England under Queen Mary in 
1555, as recorded in Fox’s ‘‘ Book of Martyrs,’’ page 320, Vol. 2.* 

Dr. Isaac Coe was born near Dover in Morris County, New 
Jersey, July 25, 1782, of Presbyterian parentage, and received 
eareful Christian instruction and training. In early manhood he 
spent several vears at Utica, New York, then took up the study 
of medicine. After three years of undergraduate work, he finished 
his collegiate courses in 1815 with diplomas from Queen’s College 
(now Rutgers College), New Brunswick, New Jersey, from the 
Medical Institution of the State of New York located at New 
York City, and from the hospital connected therewith. Isaac Coe 
and his brother Ebenezer were graduated from the New York 
Medical College in the same class. : 

After practicing for a time in New Jersey, Isaac Coe removed 
with his family to Virginia, where at Girardstown, together with 
his brother Ebenezer, he organized a Sunday School in connection 


*See page 436. 
1D 


76 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


with the Presbyterian Church of that place, in which church Dr. 
Ebenezer Coe served as a ruling elder for nearly forty years. Dr. 
Isaac Coe came to Indiana by way of Madison in 1821, bearing a 
letter of dismissal for himself and wife, Rebecca Coe, from the 
Presbyterian Church of Martinsburgh, Virginia,* which was dated 
March 26, 1821. He thus chose for his life work a new region and 
a pioneer settlement where the need was great, where sickness and 
disease were to be fought, foundations laid, education and religion 
promoted—in brief, where one might endure hardness as a good 
soldier of Jesus Christ. 

Dr. Coe located at Indianapolis in May, 1821, the second phy- 
sician to arrive, but the first graduate physician and surgeon of 
the place. He lived in a cabin on Fall Creek near the present 
site of the City Hospital. Later, his home was on the site of the 
When Building on Pennsylvania Street. He afterwards built a 
comfortable house on the Circle where the Columbia Club building 
now stands. One of these earlier residences was the first house 
with glazed windows in Indianapolis and was known as ‘‘the house 
with glass windows.’’ 

Indianapolis in 1821 was a small settlement in the woods; 
hardships were many and conveniences few. Fish and game were 
abundant, but household supplies had to be hauled from Madison 
over roads almost impassable at some seasons; mud was deep and 
swamps numerous. Now in Indianapolis we attain, on occasion, a 
speed of near one hundred miles an hour, even though the track 
may be pronounced a little slow on account of weather conditions. 
In 1821 the nearest approach to a Speedway was the Madison road, 
and the average time of that track, with a good yoke of oxen, was 
about one hundred miles per week. There was no speed limit; a 
man was free to drive as fast as he could! Some of our present 
roads are remarkable, but the roads of one hundred years ago were 
also remarkable in their way—in the opinion of the drivers; their 
remarks, however, would be sadly out of place here. 

The lack of regular preaching in the settlement of Indianapolis 
soon led to disregard and desecration of the Sabbath day and to 
lawlessness of various kinds, and Dr. Coe sought means to arrest 





*Now West Virginia. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 17 


this evil tendency. He had come from the East where the Sunday 
School idea had taken root as a comparatively new thing. Started 
by Robert Raikes in England in 1782, as a means of secular in- 
struction for the poor, the system had begun to extend. Chris- 
tians everywhere saw its prospective benefits and began to apply 
themselves diligently that they might profit by them, wondering 
why the thing had not been thought of before. Two Sunday 
Schools were started in New York in 1803, others in Pittsburgh in 
1809, and in Philadelphia in 1814. The Sunday School idea was 
called ‘‘a new discovery.’’ In December 1823, in the city of Phil- 
adelphia, the expediency of forming a national Sabbath School 
Union was determined upon and the organization of the American 
Sabbath School Union was perfected the next year, 1824; thus the 
Sunday School of our church is one year older than the great 
national organization. 

Dr. Coe first organized a Bible School for adults in Indian- 
apolis, February 20, 1822. On account of much sickness in the 
settlement, this class met only on alternate Sabbath mornings at 
Dr. Coe’s house or at the home of one of the members. The schol- 
ars recited verses of Scripture or made written answers to ques- 
tions given them. ‘These questions, calling for Scripture proofs, 
were to be selected by a committee of five officers and teachers of 
the school, but James M. Ray, who was one of that committee, 
says in one of his addresses: ‘‘It need hardly be stated that these 
questions were all written by Dr. Coe’’; and the Rev. James 
Greene, in his historical discourse, says that Dr. Coe was the only 
man in the settlement who had any practical acquaintance with 
Sabbath Schools and their management. 

The Bible School was discontinued in the fall of 1822, when 
almost universal sickness prevailed and every person was either a 
patient or a nurse. A paragraph from a paper by Dr. William H. 
Wishard informs us that ‘‘at this time Dr. Coe was the only 
physician able for duty, and he made the rounds from cabin to 
cabin both day and night, through the dark woods, with owls hoot- 
ing, wolves serenading and rattlesnakes shaking their tails at him. 
He often acted as physician, nurse, and cook as well.’’ 

The Bible School prepared the way for the Sunday School, 


78 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


which was started in April of the next year, 1823. The first meet- 
ing of this school was announced in'the Indianapolis Gazette of 
April 5, 1823, as follows: 


‘‘The Indianapolis Sabbath School will commence on next 
Sabbath, the sixth day of April inst. at 9 o’clock in the morning 
at Mr. C. Secudder’s shop. A general and punctual attendance of 
scholars is requested, and that they bring with them the Testa- 
ments, spelling books, or such school books as they may have.’’ 


Mr. Dunn, in his History of Indianapolis, says: ‘‘The chief 
promoter of the Union Sunday School was Dr. Isaac Coe, but he 
was warmly seconded by the press and all public-spirited citizens, 
as the school was of great value to Indianapolis in an educational 
way as well as morally.’’ The Western Censor, an early Indian- 
apolis newspaper, endorsed the Sunday School in the following 
paragraph which appeared in the paper on October 19, 1824: ‘“We 
cannot avoid mentioning, as one among the most important of the 
moral engines in operation for the restraint of vice and the pro- 
motion of virtue and religion, and as being an ornament to the 
town, the existence of the Indianapolis Sabbath School, an insti- 
tution in the encouragement and support of which all denomina- 
tions unite, which is attended by children of both sexes and all 
conditions of life, and on the rolls of which there are nearly one 
hundred scholars.”’ 

Referring to the fact that in the call issued for the organiza- 
tion of the Union Sunday School, the children were requested to 
bring their school books, Mr. Dunn in his history states that one 
object in the organization of the Union Sunday School,—as at the 
inception of the system in England—was to supply the deficiency 
of day schools, and that it ‘‘fulfilled a valuable educational pur- 
pose aside from the religious instruction.’’ Memorizing the Scrip- 
tures was one of the chief features of the school, and to encourage 
it there was a system of rewards in books from the Sunday School 
library. It was in September, 1823, that the session drew up and 
our church adopted a plan for gathering a library of religious 
reading, this being the first effort in that direction made in Indi- 
anapolis, and probably in the state. On this point Mr. Dunn says: 
“The first library movement in the state was the Sunday School 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 719 


movement, and the old Sunday School libraries were a precious 
boon to that generation.’’ 

On July 5, 1823—three months after the organization of the 
Sunday School—the Church was organized. The plan proposed by 
Dr. Coe for the church building (which was the most expensive 
one and included a school-room), had been adopted in March; a 
building committee, Dr. Coe, James Blake and Daniel Yandes had 
been at work, and the building begun in May was so far completed 
as to be occupied the next day after the church organization was 
accomplished. 


The following paragraph from the Rev. James Greene’s brief 
historical sketch of the First Presbyterian Church, published in 
1878, tells of some of the obstacles encountered and overcome by 
this first building committee: ‘‘The committee discharged their 
trust vigorously, but found that the amount subscribed would be 
deficient several hundred dollars. However, the wit of pioneers 
becomes sharpened by exigencies, and the committee was equal to 
this emergency. Dr. Coe and Mr. Blake carried forward the work 
to completion, the carpenters agreeing to take their orders on Mr. 
Nicholas McCarty, the only merchant in the village, for goods, and 
Mr. McCarty generously agreeing to honor such orders and await 
the convenience of the committee for payment. The inconvenience 
growing out of the scarcity of money was thus overcome, and a 
neat and convenient house of worship, suited to the day and to the 
people, was erected and completed.’’ 

Rev. David C. Proctor was moderator of the meeting for or- 
ganization of the church, held in Caleb Scudder’s shop; Dr. Isaae 
Coe and Caleb Scudder were elected elders, and fifteen members 
were received. The location of the first building was on the West 
side of Pennsylvania Street, a little North of Market, where the 
Talbott Block now stands. The lot cost $100 and the building 
$1,500. At this time the Presbyterian Church at St. Louis was 
still without an edifice, and it was not until ten years later (1833) 
that the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago was organized; and 
by the way, the dimensions of the Chicago building were 26x40 
feet, while the Indianapolis building was 34x54. 

The new church building included the school room arranged for 


80 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


use on week days as well as on Sundays, and the school held therein 
was known as ‘‘the school attached to the Presbyterian meeting 
house.’’ Referring to the Board of Trustees of this Presbyterian 
school, Mr. Dunn in his history makes the following observation: 
‘Tt certainly was a blessing to the community that the first Pres- 
byterian Board of Trustees included those two energetic, educa- 
tional cranks, Dr. Isaac Coe as chairman and James Blake as sec- 
retary.’’ It should be added to the historian’s tribute, that it was 
also most fortunate for the educational interests of the new town, 
that as early as the opening of the third year of this school (No- 
vember, 1826), the Trustees were able to secure the services of a 
man of such scholarly attainments as Ebenezer Sharpe to take 
charge of it. 

Dr. Coe was of a cheerful, optimistic disposition, not deterred 
nor discouraged by obstacles or disappointments. He began busi- 
ness life in a counting house, intending to be a merchant, and in- 
vested most of his funds in a glass factory in Utica, New York. 
The returns from the factory, however, did not meet expectations, 
and after a thorough investigation of its affairs and prospects, he 
was convinced that it could not be made to pay. He, therefore, 
dropped it and determined to study medicine. He was thirty 
years old and married, but persevered, was graduated, and even- 
tually began life anew in the West, returning some years later to 
Utica to pay off dollar for dollar all the indebtedness in which he 
had become involved through the failure of the glass factory. The 
disappointment in his first venture was only the call of God to a 
more useful and more abundant life. 

A notable incident in Dr. Coe’s career, further illustrating his 
breadth of mind and determination of character, was his return to 
the East in 1837 to study homeopathy after he had reached mid- 
dle life in the practice of allopathy. Commenting on this fact, a 
leading member of the medical profession has written as follows: 

‘*Since the first Homeopathic school was started in this coun- 
try in 1835, and since Homeopathy started under auspices which 
gave great promise, especially since the regular schools had at that 
date no very superior quality, Dr. Coe’s eagerness to plunge into 
what then seemed to be the dominant stream of medical thought, 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 81 


is certainly illustrative not only of his broad-mindedness, but also 
of his mental ‘‘aliveness.”’ 

In his religious life, Dr. Coe was not only fired with enthusiasm 
in Christian work himself, but had the faculty of setting others 
on fire also. There were two young men in the village—James M. 
Ray, who afterwards became Dr. Coe’s son-in-law, and James 
Blake—who were not members of the church nor especially inter- 
ested in religion; but Dr. Coe put them to work in the Sunday 
School at its organization in 1823—Mr. Ray as the first superin- 
tendent and James Blake as a teacher. They both united with the 
church whole-heartedly in 1828—Mr. Blake on July 10th and Mr. 
Ray on October 17th—and were both elected elders in 1830. 

The late Mr. John H. Holliday, for so many years our beloved 
senior elder, whom we so sorely miss at this Centennial season, 
and who revered Dr. Coe as his first Sabbath School teacher, has 
written of him: ‘‘He was a man whose strength of mind and 
force of character are aptly symbolized by the rugged shaft of 
New England granite that marks his resting place in Crown Hill. 
No man did so much to mold the character and direct the ten- 
dencies of the infant settlement, and of no man can it be said 
more truly, ‘He being dead, yet speaketh.’ The work that he did 
here and the impress that he left upon the community can never be 
effaced.’’ 


PERSONALITIES INFLUENCING THE EARLY LIFE OF 
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


BKLIZABETH MORELAND WISHARD 


Centennial Service, Thursday evening, June 14, 1923. 


The oft repeated remark of Oliver Wendell Holmes that a 
child’s training should begin one hundred years before it is born, 
is applicable to an organization as well as to an individual. In 
widely separated frontier homes, long before the First Presbyter- 
ian Church was organized, Christian mothers of inherited courage 
and faith were rocking the cradles that held children who were 
destined later to become not only pioneers in establishing a new 
commonwealth, but founders and leaders in organizing that with- 
out which every community fails—the Church of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 

The organization of this church was in the capable hands of 
Christian men and women who brought with them to the wilder- 
ness the convictions instilled into them by godly parents. They 
formed the nucleus of Presbyterianism which has become a mighty 
force. That small band of devout worshipers little dreamed, per- 
haps, that not many years later it would spread to the regions 
beyond and across the seas. While the First Church cannot claim 
to be the mother of all the Presbyterian churches in this city, she 
is entitled to the recognition that is due her for first promulgating 
the tenets of the faith for which she stands. 

The program committee has very kindly asked me to tell 
briefly of some of the men and women who composed the member- 
ship of this church when my grandfather, the Reverend John 
Robertson Moreland, became pastor in 1828, as well as to touch 
upon his history. 

John Robertson Moreland was born in Pennsylvania in 1784, 
emigrated to Kentucky and was converted during the historic 
revival that swept over that state in 1803. He attended Transy]l- 


82 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 83 


vania University in Lexington, Kentucky, and later became a stu- 
dent of theology under Dr. Thomas Cleland, a noted divine of Ken- 
tucky, who conducted ‘‘A School of the Prophets’’ in his home. 
My grandfather did home mission work in Tennessee and Missis- 
sippi and was pastor of the following churches in Kentucky: Cyn- 
thiana, Mt. Pleasant, Woodford Church near Versailles, and Paris, 
before coming to this city. Huis residence here was located on the 
southeast corner of North Meridian and New York Streets, the lot 
covering the north half of the square now occupied by the post- 
office site. Some years after his death the First Church bought a 
portion of this lot at the corner of North Pennsylvania and New 
York Streets where the church stood for many years. 

Many were the fireside stories I heard from my mother of the 
great event that came to her family when her father was called to 
shepherd the young flock, then only five years old. It involved a 
long journey from Kentucky, and the new home was so far re- 
moved from the old one that the parents were not willing to leave 
behind them the eldest daughter, not long married, so she and her 
husband became a part of the caravan that slowly threaded its 
way through forests, over muddy roads, fording streams and camp- 
ing by the roadside when taverns were not to be found. Not even 
an Edward Bellamy would then have been bold enough to visualize 
the time when by motor one could return to those early Kentucky 
scenes, as my brothers and I did not long ago, in the time that 
those early settlers required to cover a very short part of their 
tedious journey. 

It was a small congregation with only thirty church members, 
and Indianapolis had acquired scarcely more than one thousand 
inhabitants when my grandfather entered upon his duties as 
pastor. Only two elders constituted the session. 

As Presbyterians, we recognize that to be an elder in the church 
of our first love is to fill an office of no mean distinction. 

In a family gathering, such as we celebrate tonight, we can 
with pardonable pride say that in the fore-front of every worthy 
cause, whether it be local, national or world-wide, are to be found, 
as leaders and standard bearers, ruling elders of the church of our 
faith. So the names of the men who served in that capacity in this 


84 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


church in its early struggles will ever live and occupy a conspicu- 
ous place in the history of this city and state. They were men to 
be reckoned with, as were those who later joined them, and their 
memory should be revered by this church in the years to come as 
in the past. 

The name of Dr. Isaac Coe will ever stand out conspicuously 
as one of the first two elders. His history has been entertainingly 
given you by his descendant, Mr. Henry Coe Sickels, thus fulfilling 
the Biblical truth that good works and character follow to the 
fourth generation and still further down. Dr. Coe was a leader in 
matters ecclesiastical as well as those that pertained to his profes- 
sion. In short, he was a Christian physician who believed that it 
was his mission to administer spiritual balm as well as give healing 
to the body—a true knight of the lancet. He was a man of vision 
also, as Oliver H. Smith, the early Indiana historian, testifies. He 
has written that when walking over the town plat, through brush 
and woods, Dr. Coe was enthusiastic in his declaration that Indi- 
anapolis would some day have five thousand inhabitants. Mr. 
Smith confesses he laughed incredulously at the prophecy. 

Caleb Scudder was elected elder at the same time with Dr. Coe 
at the formal organization of this church in the cabinet shop of the 
former which is forever immortalized in Presbyterian annals. 

Not until February, 1827, was the session enlarged by the elec- 
tion of Ebenezer Sharpe, John G. Brown, and John Johnson. The 
first two had served as elders in the church of Paris, Ky., when my 
grandfather was serving as stated supply. True to the genius and 
history of Calvinism, once a church has been established, a school 
must follow. Prof. Ebenezer Sharpe brought with him to Indi- 
anapolis long experience as a teacher, and his ripe scholarship 
easily made him the leader of the educational life in the new 
town. ‘The school of which he was the head afforded the oppor- 
tunity needed for the mental development of the youth under his 
care, though he looked after their spiritual needs as well, and so 
universal were the esteem and affection in which he was held, that 
it is said there was not a vehicle in Indianapolis that was not seen 
in the line of march that followed his body to its final resting 
place. His granddaughter, Mrs. Hugh H. Hanna, Sr., today 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 85 


stands as a witness in this church that the truths inculeated by 
Prof. Sharpe are still bearing fruit. 

John G. Brown was a man of influence and occupied a posi- 
tion of leadership in the church. This is shown by the fact that 
during the period of Mr. Bush’s pastorate, when he and his elders 
were at variance on points of doctrine and church government, 
and Mr. Bush’s position was discussed in closed meetings of the 
session, Mr. Brown was invariably moderator of the meetings, 
which were often appointed for ‘‘early candle lght’’ as the 
records show. So keenly did Mr. Brown feel the injustice and 
cruelty of slavery, that he freed all his slaves in Kentucky and then 
emigrated to a free state. His son, James G. Brown, later became 
an elder in this church. 

John Johnson was not so closely identified with the activities 
of the growing town, as were his associates, due to the fact that he 
resided in the country, ten miles away. Later he withdrew and 
united with the Washington Church of which Mrs. Woollen has 
told us. 

By 1830, the church had grown until one hundred members 
required an enlarged session, and October 17th of that year James 
M. Ray and James Blake were elected elders, both of whom had 
been received into membership by my grandfather in 1828. Mr. 
Ray served the church as elder fifty years and four months—until 
his death in February, 1881. When the Union Sabbath School was 
organized in 1823, he was made its first superintendent and was 
repeatedly elected to that office, filling it, in all, a total of twenty- 
five years. His life spanned sixty years of Indianapolis history 
and for more than fifty years he was one of its foremost citizens. 
He built the first stone-front store in the city and the second brick 
dwelling-house. In the promotion of large enterprises, both public 
and private, Mr. Ray was a most influential and efficient man, and 
his great energy was manifested in spiritual things as well as in 
secular affairs. In all benevolent and religious undertakings he 
was one of the leaders. It was said of him that he was either 
president or secretary of nearly every organization that was ever 
formed during the first thirty years of the life of the city. He 
was cashier of the old State Bank and of its successor, the Bank of 


86 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the State. Sulgrove’s history pays him the following tribute: ‘‘ He 
was Governor Morton’s most trusted agent during the war and 
managed all the external finances of the state during that mo- 
mentous period.’’ 

Mr. Ray’s first wife was Maria Coe, elder daughter of Dr. Isaac 
Coe. His second wife was Margaret Riggs of Cincinnati, sister 
of Dr. Elias Riggs, American missionary, who was co-laborer with 
Dr. Goodell and Dr. Schauffler in the translation of the Bible into 
Armeno-Turkish at Constantinople, 1861-1863. The Ray home- 
stead stood on the northwest corner of Meridian and Ohio streets, 
on ground which now faces the Federal building, the house and 
grounds occupying the entire quarter block. For many years it 
was one of the centers of the best social life of the city. 

Though he came to Indianapolis in 1821, Mr. Blake did not 
unite with the church until July 10, 1828, but from that day until 
his death in 1870, he was an outstanding figure in the civie and re- 
ligious life of his adopted city. Oliver H. Smith said of him in his 
‘*Harly Indiana Trials and Sketches:’’ ‘‘Indiana has received into 
her bosom few such men as James Blake;’’ while Berry H. Sulgrove 
in his ‘‘ History of Indiana’’ eulogized him in these words: ‘‘ His 
history for fifty years was the history of Indianapolis, and no citi- 
zen has ever been more closely identified with the rise and prog- 
ress of the city and its philanthropies and benevolent institutions 
than he.’’ Such a unique place as Col. Blake occupied in Indian- 
apolis is accorded to but few men in any city. Dr. H. A. Edson 
termed him the ‘‘steam engine of the place when steam engines 
were almost unknown.’’ He marshalled the Sunday School forces 
each Fourth of July ‘‘to hear the Declaration of Independence and 
eat gingerbread in the State House square.’’ The children of my 
father’s family were taught to venerate his name, for he became 
my mother’s guardian at the death of her father and his consent 
was given when my father asked for her hand in marriage. 

Other men were active and faithful in those early days, but 
time forbids any reference to them. 

The women of that period were still living under the ban of 
Paul’s injunction to ‘‘keep silence in the churches’’ so of their 
unspoken, but doubtless effective and prayerful influence little is 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 87 


known. Of one thing we are confident; they walked with their 
husbands in faith and practice, as was evidenced by the fact that 
the children of the households filled the pews and sat side by side 
with their parents during Divine worship. Those were the ‘‘good 
old days’’ of which all parents loved to talk, when the church was 
indeed the center of all their social life. 

The wife of elder John G. Brown was always lovingly referred 
to by my mother and her sisters as ‘‘Aunt Brown’’ for she had 
come within their inner circle of friends in Kentucky, and the 
tender attachment formed there was strengthened in the new home. 
It is quite probable that the Franklin stove, taken by her from 
Virginia to Kentucky and then brought to Indianapolis, was the 
first one of that unique style used in this city. It is still intact, 
though over 125 years ‘old, and is in the possession of Mrs. Brown’s 
grand-niece, Miss Alma Winston Wilson who resides in this city. 

There are some here tonight who recall: Mrs. James Blake, a 
quaint, gentle-mannered little lady who lived until 1887. She im- 
pressed my childish mind, when I first saw her, with the fact that 
she must have been a typical representative of the old-fashioned 
woman. Mrs. Blake came from Baltimore as a bride and brought 
with her the first piano that ever adorned an Indianapolis parlor. 
Her social graces, added to the whole-hearted hospitality of her 
husband, made their home a magnet which drew within its walls 
people from every walk in life. John H. B. Nowland in his 
‘‘Harly Reminiscences of Indianapolis’’ records the fact that the 
second negro to come to this city was Cheney Lively who, he says, 
‘‘was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and universally 
respected by the pioneer ladies of the place.’’ Just why Cheney 
sought out this church as the one of her choice is not known. The 
reason may be explained by a statement of Lucy Laney, known to 
all missionary women of the Presbyterian Church as a leader of 
her race, a colored woman of culture and ability, who has won the 
respect of all who know her and her school located in Augusta, Ga. 
Once, when addressing a meeting of the Indiana Synodical Society 
she said, ‘‘By nature the colored people are Methodists and Bap- 
tists and by grace Presbyterians.’’ So it may have been the grace 
she manifested in the choice of her church that led Mr. Nowland to 


88 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


further say of Cheney that ‘‘she always behaved herself with 
propriety.’’ She was received by the session and baptized Febru- 
ary 11, 1827. 

In December, 1823, my grandfather made his first trip to Indi- 
ana. Former parishioners of his had removed from Kentucky to 
Decatur county, Indiana, and wishing to organize a church sent 
for him to come and assist them in their effort. The Sand Creek 
Church, now known as the Kingston Church, was the outgrowth of 
that visit, which was extended to Indianapolis. The minutes of 
the session record the fact that he preached an evening sermon for 
the First Church congregation, the day of the week not being 
mentioned. The most conspicuous event of my grandfather’s four 
years’ pastorate was his journey to Philadelphia in 1830, when he 
went as a commissioner to the General Assembly, representing the 
Crawfordsville Presbytery which then included Marion County. 
It required six weeks by horseback to make the trip each way. A 
letter to my grandmother, written while he was in Philadelphia, 
tells of his wonderful experiences. ‘‘I have seen the great railroad 
and the Baltimore and Delaware canal,’’ he wrote, ‘‘but I must 
leave the task of describing these works of wonder until I see you. 
I trust, however chimerical it may seem now, that the railroad 
will reach Indianapolis in less than twenty years. In speaking of 
railroads there is no danger of extravagance for the half has never 
been told. I want very much to see all the members of the 
church. I love the order, unity, and peace of our little church 
and would not exchange it for any I have seen in this polite city.”’ 
His prophecy concerning the railroad was fulfilled in seventeen 
years. I cannot but think my grandfather wrote feelingly when 
he referred to the unity and peace of the church. He came to 
the congregation just after it had passed through a testing period, 
differing almost unanimously with the pastor who was his imme- 
diate predecessor. Without going into any discussion of their 
differences, it is interesting to observe that during that crucial 
time, covering almost a year, the session was harmonious and 
united in its attitude. 

Through the courtesy of Dr. Mudge, present stated clerk 
of the General Assembly, I recently received a copy of the minutes 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 89 


of the Assembly which Grandfather Moreland attended in 1830. It 
contains some items of special interest to the members of the First 
Chureh. In the report rendered by this church it was shown that 
forty-four members were received on profession of faith, making a 
total of ninety-five, showing that the church had more than 
doubled its roll of members during the year. Crawfordsville 
Presbytery reported $68.83, for ‘‘Missionary fund raised,’’ $47.21 
of which was contributed by the First Church of Indianapolis. 
The report also shows that $22.55 was contributed by the same 
Presbytery for the traveling expenses of its commissioner to the 
General Assembly, the First Church contributing $13.68. The 
Rev. William Sickels was a commissioner from Madison Presby- 
tery. The retiring moderator that year was Dr. Benjamin H. 
Rice, and the newly elected one was Dr. Ezra Fisk. 

The Synod of Indiana then consisted of six Presbyteries, four 
of which were in Indiana; namely, Salem, Madison, Wabash and 
Crawfordsville. The other Presbyteries were Missouri and Centre 
of Illinois. As the classification of Synods contains no further 
reference to these states, it is probable that the entire territory 
of each was embraced within the boundary of the Synod of 
Indiana. 

That human nature changes not from one generation to an- 
other is shown in an expense account, kept by my grandfather, 
which has survived the ravages of time and covers the period of 
his ministry in Kentucky. One item reads thus, ‘‘For seeing the 
lion, 25 cents.’’ He also kept a list of marriages he performed, 
noting the fee in each case, the average ranging from two to five 
dollars. In a few instances the generosity of the bridegrooms ran 
to ten dollars, in one case to twenty dollars, and the highest re- 
corded is thirty-five dollars, an exceptional fee considering the 
conditions of life and the scarcity of ready money in those days. 
A minister’s salary was not always paid in coin as various items 
indicate, such as the receipt of beef, wheat, ete. 

It can truthfully be said of the ministers of that period that 
they were ‘‘poor, yet making many rich; having nothing and yet 
possessing all things.’’ They preached not to please men but to 
save them. 


90 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


John R. Moreland’s ministerial career was ended by death fol- 
lowing an accident before he reached his forty-eighth year. The 
Indianapolis Journal of October 20, 1832, bore tribute to his mem- 
ory in terms of appreciation and affection. In part it reads: 

‘<The benevolence of John R. Moreland was liberal, diffusive, 
and universal; not narrowed by party prejudice nor bounded by 
the limits of party connection. It embraced the family of man 
and all those endowed with the capacity of pleasure and pain. 
His house was an asylum for the oppressed. He fed the hungry, 
clothed the naked and gently admonished the wicked. His urban- 
ity of manner, his upright and’ independent course and cleanness 
of heart endeared him to all who knew him. He was strong and 
irresistible in argument. He always declined religious controversy 
unless urged to defend his own belief, which found in him an able 
and powerful advocate. 

‘*He was of the Presbyterian order, and has always been highly 
and deservedly respected as a devout Christian and an able and 
zealous minister of the gospel. 

‘¢ All who knew him will do him the justice to say that he was 
commonly going about doing good. He was an ornament to soci- 
ety, a kind husband, an indulgent parent, an able and zealous 
advocate of religion and truth; he was a bright and shining light; 
and, actuated by the noblest principles, he went on in his whole 
career, Still scattering blessings around him until he resigned his » 
meek and gentle spirit into the hands of his Blessed Redeemer.’’ 


ADDRESS IN PRESENTATION OF BRONZE MEMORIAL 
TABLET 


Mr. ALBERT BAKER 


Centennial Service, Friday evening, June 15, 1923. 


Mr. Chairman and Friends: 

Now that the observances, commemorative of the centennial 
anniversary of the church, are drawing to a close, and, espe- 
cially on this evening commemorating the part of the church in 
the World War, it may not come amiss if I speak briefly concern- 
ing our love of country—that love which is akin to love for 
parents, for wife, for children and for home: : 

God, in His goodness, has given us a fair land, with extensive 
coasts washed by many seas, indented by frequent and safe har- 
bors; a land of many zones, of fertile soil, of abundant and varied 
products of farm, orchard and pasture; a land whose hills and 
valleys are crowned with stately forests, and underlaid with met- 
als, fuels and many useful materials; a land whose mighty rivers 
and broad lakes carry the commerce of a nation to the sea, and 
thence to the distant peoples of the world. 

With this land God gave us also ancestors—and such ancestors! 
Men, statesmen-like in wisdom and pioneers in courage. Through 
them He gave us constitutional government, making possible laws 
and institutions fashioned by ourselves, the foundations of our lib- 
erties, and the ballot for their preservation. 

On this soil, fostered by that government, those laws and those 
institutions, has developed a self-reliant, independent, peace-lov- 
ing and liberty-loving people; a people conscious of their might, 
but so just, and known to the world to be so just, that our van- 
quished enemy submits to our arbitration and decision questions 
left unsettled on the firing line. 

We are, I believe, teaching the world two important lessons: 

91 


92 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


First, that a free country, ruled by patriots, has need for but a 
small standing army because every citizen is a ruler, as well as a 
subject, and is a potential soldier, ready to leave the vocations of 
peace, to assume those of war whenever his country is threatened 
—witness 800,000 citizen soldiers under arms, and in camp in Sep- 
tember 1917, only 90 days after the call, and millions ready for the 
front within a year. 

The other lesson is that a nation of free people can be strong, 
even the strongest in man power, in wealth laid up, and in the 
power to produce the materials for war, and so strong that it will 
fight only when attacked; so strong that after its enemy is de- 
feated and owns defeat, it will take none of his territory, will not 
profit at his expense, but, if need be, will feed his starving non- 
military population. 

As a people we abhor a tyrant, be he a crowned head profess- 
ing Divine commission, or the spawn of the mob, hell-bent on de- 
stroying all established things, merely because they are established. 

In the great World War (1914-1918) we, as neutrals, pain- 
fully, but faithfully, played the part. We accepted excuses for 
violence done us by one belligerent, and tried not to seem to know 
that the excuses were but subterfuges. We could not quite follow 
our President, and be ‘‘neutral even in thought’’; our patience 
was sorely tried. But when Germany announced to us and to all 
neutrals that in February, 1917, she would sink ‘‘without trace’’ 
—how monstrous a conception—neutral ships plying the open 
seas, bound on errands of peace, yea even those bound on errands 
of mercy, the end of patience was reached. 

Our President in his most eloquent message to the congress, 
asking that ‘‘an existing state of war’’ be recognized, but voiced 
the demand of his people. How nobly the country backed that 
declaration, with men, money, and all needed things; and how 
decisive was what we did in bringing on the Armistice of Novem- 
ber 11, 1918, and the end of fighting! How complete was the vic- 
tory of freedom over oppression we are realizing more and more 
day by day. To the First Presbyterian Church, that emergency, 
as had been many earlier emergencies, was an opportunity, an 
opportunity for service. The young men and young women of this 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 93 


ehurch to the number of 113 freely offered all, and bravely en- 
dured the dangers and hardships of war for the protection of 
their country and of us. 

It was to be that four of them should not return to us, and 
that a gold star should distinguish their names. The many abide 
with us, their work well done, and, we believe, they will, by fight- 
ing the good fight of peace and keeping the faith, each earn a star. 

The friends and relatives of those who represented this church 
in the war have caused the name of each of our representatives to 
be inscribed on this beautiful bronze tablet (removes flag from the 
tablet) and they ask that you give it a fitting setting here, that 
all who enter our portals will know the names of our soldier boys 
and girls, and will recognize in the tablet a token that this church, 
in time of our country’s need, will respond to the utmost. 


RESPONSE TO PRESENTATION OF BRONZE TABLET 


Mr. Irvine WILLIAMS 


Mr. Chairman and Mr. Baker: 

I have been delegated to represent the Board of Trustees who, 
as custodians of the physical property of the church, accept this 
beautiful Memorial Tablet with a full appreciation of the fine 
sentiment which it expresses. It shall be given a place of honor 
upon the walls of this edifice. 

‘*A Century of Service’’ are the inspiring words which have 
been our slogan during the past year. We have been given op- 
portunity through our anniversary program to learn in some de- 
tail just what this service has been—its relationship to the ad- 
vancement of God’s Kingdom at home and abroad, the bearing it 
has had upon the betterment of the community in which we live, 
and it is most fitting that we should now have this substantial 
expression of the service which was rendered so promptly, cheer- 
fully, unselfishly and with such loyal devotion to our nation when 
the need arose. 

We do not believe in the union of Church and State in gov- 
ernment but in our hearts our church and our country are united, 


94. CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


and, to have served actively in the great cause for humanity to 
which our government pledged itself, was to enlist in righteous 
service. We regard the young men and the young women, whose 
names appear on this roll of honor, as our militant representatives 
in a modern crusade which had aims and ideals as sacred as those 
of any of the religious crusades of history. 

Those of us who know and have known those whose names are 
recorded here need no bronze tablet to cause their memory to 
endure in our hearts. We shall never forget the anguish and 
heart aches which were back of our attempted smiles of good 
cheer as we clasped hands with them and bade them, one by one, 
farewell and God-speed as they left us for the uncertain fortunes 
of war. We shall not forget that four are registered on that roll 
as having made the supreme sacrifice. 

But it is fitting that these names, which we honor ourselves in 
honoring, should be enduringly inscribed on the walls of this 
church. In years to come this tablet will command a place of in- 
creasing influence because of the bearing it will have upon the 
character of succeeding generations. It will serve to foster a spirit 
of devoted loyalty to our high ideals of government and will keep 
alive the traditions of service to country that have been estab- 
lished as a part of the history of this particular branch of God’s 
Church. 

We wish, then, to thank and commend the committee which has 
so completely and effectively carried out the idea of giving to us 
a tangible and enduring reminder of the honor which was brought 
to our body by so generous a response on the part of a large num- 
ber of our best young men and young women when the call for 
service came. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 95 


After the presentation address by Mr. Albert Baker and the 
response by Mr. Irving Williams, Rev. Dr. Matthew F. Smith of- 
fered the prayer of dedication. The following is a list of the 
names upon the memorial tablet: 


THE ROLL OF OUR DEFENDERS 
The World War 1917-1918 


GOLD STAR MEN* 


*Frank Harris Blackledge *Reginald W. Hughes 
*John H. Holliday, Jr. *McCrea Stephenson 


John L. Baker, James MacF. Benham, Ruth Lockwood Bieling, 
John E. Blackledge, Julian Bobbs, Edward V. Boteler, George 
Botu, Frank H. Bradley, William F. Brien, Jr., Harmon P. 
Bross, Austin H. Brown, Henry L. Browning, Jr., Samuel F. 
Browning, Lee S. Bush, Louise R. Bybee, J. Frank Cantwell, Fred- 
erick P. Carson, Alexander G. Cavins, Alexander W. Cavins, Robert C. 
Chenoweth, Wilmer F. Christian, Frank J. Cleland, Joseph J. Daniels, 
George M. Dickson, Albertus W. Dwyer, John L. Eaglesfield, Thomas R. 
Eaglesfield, William E. Eaglesfield, Constance Bross Eckley, Benjamin 
S. Eddy, Bowman Elder, Ronald M. Fisher, Ralph F. Foster, Robert S. 
Foster, Howard M. Gay, J. Edwin Habbe, Richard H. Habbe, C. Ralph 
Hamilton, Howard L. Hartman, William J. Henderson, S. Edward Henry, 
John G. Hill, Benjamin D. Hitz, James Hopper, William S. Horn, Paul 
T. Hurt, Gilbert P. Inman, Gustavus B. Jackson, Philip D. Jenks, Ellis 
A. King, George V. Klimes, William B. Lane, Jr., Frederick S. Lawrie, 
Ralph G. Lockwood, William Edgar Loughmiller, Henry L. Loughmiller, 
John A. MacDonald, Harold E. Mann, J. D. Mason, Mary V. McCoy, 
Harry W. McGrevy, Edward L. McKee, Dudley H. McMillan, Sidney S. 
Miller, Mary Holliday Mitchell, Edward E. Mittman, Helen Bixby Moore, 
William R. Nethercut, Robert P. Noble, Ross C. Ottinger, Coleman B. 
Pattison, Edgar Y. Pattison, Robert P. Peacock, William A. Peacock, 
David W. Pence, Byron P. Prunk, Howard W. Prunk, Glenn B. Ralston, 
Charles W. Roller, William E. Sayer, Raiph G. Sickels, Frederick P. 
Sisson, Carlisle A. Smith, Maynard H. Snodgrass, Edward E. Stephenson, 
Robert H. Stephenson, James Kelso Sullivan, Arnold M. Talbott, Clyde 
E. Taylor, Elmer E. Taylor, John M. Taylor, Demetrius Tchamilovitch, 
Robert M. Thomson, William E. Tinney, Hillard L. Weer, Paul W. Weer, 
Percy H. Weer, Joseph H. Weir, Forrey N. Wild, Albert Donald Wiles, 
Ernest H. Wiles, Philip R. Williams, Stuart C. Williams, Charles G. Wil- 
liamson, Evans Woollen, Jr., A. Hodge Worsham, Burrell Wright, Mac- 
Laren Wright, Harry A. Young. 


‘Dear Christ, who reign’st above the flood 

Of human tears and human blood, 

A weary road these men have trod; 

O house them in the home of God!” 
—Frederick George Scott. 


96 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


PROGRAM 
OF 
ONE HUNDREDTH 
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 
OF 
THE UNION SABBATH 
SCHOOL 
OF INDIANAPOLIS 
DR. ISAAC COE, Founder 


April 6, 1823—April 1, 1923 


Historical Sketeh: (y yice NC eae eee teat, ore ere Henry M. Dowling 
Ginls fot) the 41820 7s (25 veg tates ata ere eer Dorothea and Alice Hanna 
A Bey of the Union. Sabbath Schoolies ee. ss) <a been eee Harlow Hyde 
Song—Pleyel’s Hymn (old-time song) 

Dr BAA COG th nate aid 2ty ot Gin ete ier me es ethane a ge Es omens Henry Coe Sickels 


DR. ISAAC COE, The Founder of Sabbath Schools in Indianapolis, first 
organized an adult Bible Class in February, 1822, which he taught at his 
house until the following year, when he with others organized the Union 
Sabbath School, notice of the first meeting having been published in the In- 
dianapolis Gazette of April 5, 1823, as follows: 


‘*The Indianapolis Sabbath School will commence on next Sab- 
bath, the sixth day of April inst. at 9 o’clock in the morning at Mr. 
C. Scudder’s shop. A general and punctual atttendance of scholars 
is requested, and that they bring with them the Testaments, spell- 
ing books, or such school books as they may have.’’ 


In the ‘‘Commemorative Biographical Record of Prominent and Repre- 
sentative Men of Indianapolis and Vicinity,’’ published in 1908, is found the 
following appreciation of Dr. Coe, written by the late Mr. John H. Holliday: 


‘“‘Dr. Isaac Coe, one of the earliest physicians to come here, soon took 
rank as among the first citizens in influence and effective work. It is largely 
to him that Indianapolis owes the religious stamp that has always charac- 
terized it. He was a man of clear perception, well-grounded convictions and 
an impulsive force that brooked no obstacle. On his monument in Crown 
Hill is carved: ‘The Founder of Sabbath Schools in Indianapolis,’ an honor 
no one has ever disputed, and one which should make his memory green and 
lasting in this community. It was through his influence that James M. Ray, 
his son-in-law, and James Blake, who were foremost for many years in all 
that could advance the town in every way, became Christians, and through 
them his influence has been carried on in many lives. The moral and religious 
character of Indianapolis was fixed in its beginning by the presence of Dr. 
Coe and some others who supported the work, of which he was the leader.’’ 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 97 


Sunday evening, April 1, 1923, a service was held celebrating 
the completion of the redecoration and refurnishing of the main 
auditorium of the church. 

The following items from the church bulletin of that Sunday, 
give an account of the work accomplished. 


CENTENNIAL GIFTS 


WE CELEBRATE TODAY THE CENTENNIAL of the founding of 
Sabbath Schools in Indianapolis by Dr. Isaac Coe. Out of this Union 
Sabbath School all other Sabbath Schools in the city grew. Dr. Coe was 
the first apostle of Presbyterianism to locate at Indianapolis. It is fitting 
that his great-grandchildren, Henry Coe Sickels, F. S. Sickels, and the 
Misses Sickels, have given and dedicated the center lantern of the church 
to his memory. The influence of his life has shone through a century, 
spreading farther and farther in the growth of the city. This lantern 
typifies that influence, and shining over us shall remain an inspiration. 
“Let your light so shine before men.” 

MRS. JOHN H. HOLLIDAY has made a gift to the church of the 
Communion Table in memory of her husband. It is eminently fitting that 
our beloved long-time senior elder is to be thus forever commemorated at 
our communion service. After the construction of the balustrade for the 
new choir loft from the arches of the old balustrade, it was discovered 
that there were the exact number of carved arches left, out of which to 
construct our beautiful Chest Communion Table. This chest provides a 
much needed place in which to store the communion silver and linen. 

OUR HISTORIC PULPIT CHAIRS have been restored through the 
gift of Mrs. Charles P. Emerson. These chairs were bought for our sec- 
ond church building, erected in 1848 on the Circle, where the American 
Central Life Insurance Building now stands. In the year 1867 they were 
moved to the new church at Pennsylvania and New York streets. Now 
in the centennial year of our church history and in the eightieth year of 
their age, they are once more on our pulpit platform, where they accen- 
tuate with so much dignity and beauty our historic background. 

DR. DAVID ROSS presents the new lantern in the north arch as a 
gift in memory of his father and mother, Charles B. and Catherine Ross, 
early members of this church. j 

THE COMMUNION LINEN IS THE GIFT of the Woman’s Auxiliary, 
the fine needlework of which was done by Mrs. Wilmer F. Christian. 

THE BEAUTIFUL PULPIT BIBLE is the gift of Mr. and Mrs. V. H. 
Lockwood. 

FROM THE ANONYMOUS DONOR, who last summer caused the 
organ to be rebuilt and improved, we have the additional gift of the sum 
used in moving the organ console to its place in the reconstructed pulpit. 

ON THE BIRTHDAY OF HER FATHER, Mrs. Edward H. Greer gave 
in his memory a Silver drinking cup to be used on the pulpit. 

TO MRS. CHARLES N. THOMPSON, chairman of the decorating 
committee, we are especially indebted for the lavish contribution of her 
artistic skill in supervising all work of restoration, and for her gift of 
the repainted twenty-four windows of the auditorium, which she trans- 
formed.to harmonize with the Benjamin Harrison memorial window. 


98 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


WE ARE INDEBTED TO MR. JOHN T. LECKLIDER for the gift of 
the handsome mahogany bookcases for the pastor’s study, given in mem- 
ory of his wife, Mrs. Ada C. Lecklider. 


WE ARE INDEBTED TO MR. HERBERT W. FOLTZ for carrying out 
the plan of the committee in the structural changes. 


WE ARE GRATEFUL TO MR. R. WALTER JARVIS, superintendent 
of parks, for the gift of our garden planting about the Church. This he 
did because he hopes to further beautify the city in decorating so prom- 
inent a corner. 


CENTENNIAL BAZAAR 


WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, APRIL 25 AND 26 
10 A. M. ro 6 P. M. 
General Chairman, Mrs. James H. Taylor 
Decoration Committee 
Mrs. Wilmer F. Christian, chairman; Mrs. John H. Holliday, 
Mrs. John F. Wild 


CHAIRMEN AND ASSISTANTS IN CHARGE OF BooTHS 


Fancy Work—Miss Gertrude Baker, chairman; Mrs. Evans 
Woollen, Young Women’s Missionary Society. 

Candy—Mrs. Frank,M. Millikan, chairman; Mrs. Frank I. 
Grubbs. 

Apron—Mrs. J. Harry McConnell, chairman; Mrs. Lewis Weis- 
enburger. 

Household—Mrs. William R. Zulich, chairman; Mrs. Neville 
Crowder. 

Church—Mrs. Virgil H. Lockwood, chairman; Mrs. Will H. 
Adams. 

Toy Shop—Mrs. Wilbur C. Johnson, chairman; Mrs. Donald 
O. Jameson. 

Comforts and Rugs—Mrs. William C. Voris, chairman; Mrs. 
Steele F. Gilmore; Mrs. James H. Tomlin. 

Children’s—Mrs. Alexander G. Cavins, chairman; Mrs. Irvin 
C. DeHaven. 

Garden—Mrs. Wilmer F. Christian, chairman; Mrs. Morris 
Ross. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 99 


Colonial Room and Tea Garden—Mrs. Herbert W. Foltz, chair- 
man; Mrs. Francis B. Brickley. 

Luncheon, Wednesday, 12:00 O’clock—Mrs. Lucian W. Bug- 
bee, chairman; Mrs. Leslie D. Clancy, vice-chairman; Mrs. Mac- 
Millan Carson, secretary-treasurer. 

Old-Fashioned Centenmal Dinner, Thursday, 6:00 P. M.— 
Mrs. James L. Floyd, chairman; Mrs. Jacob P. Dunn. 

There will be found in the booths all kinds of fancy articles, 
lamp shades, bags, scarfs from the Orient, small red testaments 
from the holy land, aprons, children’s clothes, baby clothes and 
comforts, rag and knitted rugs, luncheon sets, table-cloths, com- 
forts, quilt tops, baskets, sachets, bird houses, painted flower pots, 
besides all kinds of culinary products—cakes, pies, jellies, pickles, 
bread, salads, ete. 

Be sure to see the interesting antique room filled with curios 
and relics. 

No child should miss the wonderful collection of dolls from 
every land. 

Bring your friends for a cup of tea served by Colonial Dames. 

This spring the First Presbyterian Church is one hundred years 
old. This is a birthday occasion of much interest to us in which 
we hope that our friends will participate. Birthdays are intimate, 
joyous milestones. Do come and rejoice with us for we will not 
have again a centennial birthday. 


100 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


CENTENNIAL CONCERT 


PROCEEDS TO BE DEVOTED TO REDECORATION F'UND 

By 

FRANCES JOHNSON, SOPRANO 

ASSISTED BY 
Martz Dawson MorRRELL, VIOLINIST 

AND 

TuLL E. Brown, ORGANIST 

Monpay, Aprit 30TH, 8:00 0’CLOCK P. M. 


ACCOMPANISTS 
GLENN O. F'RIERMOOD Mrs. Frank T. EDENHARTER 
I 
Gare ' Bel ve tac he etd ye eee Cle te Cae a: ete oe Handel 
The Rose Enslaves the Nightingale (Oriental romance)..... 
De RED OTN, oo ies EEN RE LE Dy TN Rimsky-Korsakoff 
AP Pastoral il eiih y ftv aie Ri Aire) Rais eve Ea as een ee Veracini 
Mrs. JOHNSON 
II 
JS Acarsbae avepnelarckteyPbilony pn trun rioes cy ue hey Ok SS Rimsky-Korsakoff-Franko 
Slavonic Dance—G Major, No. 3............... Dvorak-Kreisler 
mperenade i Hspagnole iia ees Meine Chaminade-Kreisler 
Mrs. Morreuu 
III 
Then Crying Vol iy Waternve uct eer mane meee Campbell-Tipton 
Lilla yy gee hes sree Oe ae RE PTR Ae al Te Cyril Scott 
TeHeard ta Oryiin ie ns os er en Ont a a Fisher 
The Lass with the Delicate Air (Old English)........... ,. Arne 
Mrs. JOHNSON 
IV 
Tm prom peut: Varese gee adavel e/a eeree mre teem een Gaston Dethier 


Mr. Brown 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 101 


Vv 
Hare wellsto Gucollaina Oldtlrisn alr ji ca. s ok vais lle Kreisler 
Pe DCHCU epee Will Ghtils smite eidicn, oe sre ae sek alate gle sate.» Massenet 
ASTI Deters tale (at oC SNE a ee tie 0 ie ae Paderewski-Kreisler 


VI 
Peotetia yeand «) OOAy i. ee uments eevniced toy Moen an ee Spross 
Pouce wiih eMotnen s... peers ee caveats « Coleridge-Taylor 
iemyWwinds im. the Souths ue os vice ae John Prindle Scott 


Mrs. JOHNSON 


Java, 7g Ea Pi erg band COEF A mE Oe Bach-Gounod 


Mrs. JOHNSON AND Mrs. MorrEwuL 


FREE WILL OFFERING 


Fee. CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


THE 135TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY 


~The 135th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 
the U. S. A. convened in Indianapolis on Thursday, May 17, 
1923. An hour at the morning session of Friday, May 18, had 
been set apart on its docket for recognition of the one hundred 
years of service of this church and of the centennial of Presbyter- 
ianism in Indianapolis. Our pastor, Dr. Matthew F. Smith, pre- 
sided at this service, and Dr. Matthias L. Haines*, Pastor Emer- 
itus, presented the gavel to the newly elected moderator, Dr. 
Charles F. Wishart, President of Wooster College; Dr. Ed- 
ward H. Kistler, pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church, made 
the historical address, taking for his subject: ‘‘The Spirit of 
Presbyterianism.’’ Thus the centennial of First Church was fit- 
tingly commemorated by this notable convocation of representa- 
tives of the Church at large—the 135th General Assembly. The 
resolutions adopted by the Assembly previous to adjournment, 
and comments from several Presbyterian magazines on the meet- 
ing at Indianapolis, follow: 


‘“We, the members of the 135th General Assembly of the Pres- 
byterian Church of the United States of America, desire to express 
our hearty appreciation of the munificent hospitality extended to 
us by the City of Indianapolis, and by the churches and other in- 
stitutions and organizations which have joined therein. 

‘Special recognition should be given to the First Presbyterian 
Church, the pastor, Rev. Matthew F. Smith, D. D., its officers and 
members, for the hospitable manner in which they have acted the 
role of host to the Assembly. We would also make special mention 
of the Rev. Frederick E. Taylor, D. D., Pastor of the First Bap- 
tist Church and his people, the Rev. George M. Smith, D. D., of the 
Roberts Park M. E. Church and the Rev. Jean S. Milner, Pastor of 
the Second Presbyterian Church, for the part which they have 
played in making our Assembly sojourn enjoyable, and for the 
contribution they have made for our comfort and convenience.’’ 


(*Note. For Dr. Haines’ address, see page 106.) 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 103 


(From The Presbyterian, Phila., Pa., May 24, 1923.) 


‘Rev. Dr. Matthew F. Smith, pastor of the First Church of 
Indianapolis, was chairman of the committee on arrangements for 
the 135th General Assembly. He and his associates are to be con- 
gratulated on their splendid success in providing for the full com- 
fort and the requirements of the commissioners, friends, and at- 
tendants at the Assembly. Dr. Smith was especially successful 
and acceptable in the efficient, modest, courteous, and quiet man- 
ner in which, with the support of his associates, he carried on to 
a full realization the well-thought-out, generous and successfully 
accomplished plans.”’ 


(Froth The Presbyterian Magazine, Phila., Pa., July, 1923.) 


‘‘Indianapolis had the privilege of entertaining the General 
Assembly, and proved itself worthy of the honor. That the city in 
every way made a most favorable impression upon the Assembly is 
certain. Courtesy’ and hospitality were ours in unbounded meas- 
ure during all the period of our stay. Careful preparations were 
made for our coming, and thoughtful consideration for our com- 
fort and efficiency were continued throughout our visit. We shall 
all of us long remember, and most favorably, Indianapolis.’’ 


(‘From The Presbyterian Banner, Pittsburgh, Pa., May 24, 1923.) 


‘‘The morning of May 17, the first day of the General Assem- 
bly of 1923, opens bright and fair. As we step out into the 
thronged streets, we realize that the Assembly is meeting in a real 
city. Indianapolis carries a population of more than 275,000 and 
has the distinction of being the largest city in the United States 
not on navigable water. It has the distinction also of having fur- 
nished more vice-presidents to the United States than any other 
city in the Union, Vice-Presidents Hendricks, Fairbanks, and Mar- 
shall all having hailed from this city. If Ohio is the state of presi- 
dents, Indiana is the state of vice-presidents. Another distinction 
of the city is its Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in what is called 
Monument Circle. This monument is Indiana’s memorial to her 
citizens who served their country in the Mexican, Civil and Span- 


104 CENTENNIAL -MEMORIAL 


ish Wars. Our way this morning to the place of the Assembly’s 
meeting lay through this circle, and we must give expression to the 
impression that this magnificent work of art made upon us. The 
allegorical figures and the two splendid fountains about its base 
are the most significant things about the monument and are surely 
worthy of the genius of the great artist. We doubt if there is a 
better war monument East or West. Of all the monuments of any 
kind in our land, this one must stand well to the front. We shall 
have our sense of appreciation of the magnificent and artistic 
quickened many times during our brief stay here by walking to 
our place of business through this circle.’’ 


(From The Presbytertan Magazine, July, 1923.) 


‘‘The Pre-Assembly Conferences of the 135th General Assem- 
bly drew large audiences and notable addresses were delivered, 
the interest rising to a high degree. The meetings in the interest 
of evangelism on Tuesday afternoon and evening filled the audi- 
torium of the Second Presbyterian Church and they were nothing 
less than a revival of religion to all in attendance. All these pre- 
assembly conferences served to raise the spiritual temperature of 
the commissioners and prepared the way for a meeting of the 
General Assembly imbued with the spirit of faith and hope and 
love. 

‘‘The large and beautiful First Baptist Church was with fine 
hospitality placed at the disposal of the General Assembly for its 
opening service, and its pastor, Rev. Dr. Frederick E. Taylor, who 
is also chairman of the Northern Baptist Convention, took part 
in the opening exercises, reading the scripture and assisting in the 
administration of the communion. An audience of nearly two 
thousand crowded the auditorium, and while there was no special 
music, the singing was splendid in volume and heartiness. The 
sermon of Rev. Dr. C. C. Hays, the retiring Moderator, was clean- 
cut in thought and diction, and earnest in delivery, and was 
listened to with profound attention. His subject was ‘The Appeal 
of God to a Faltering Church.’ The sermon was followed by the 
administration of the Lord’s Supper, reverently served, and after 
an hour and a half the entire service was ended. * * * 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 105 


‘‘The Men’s banquet on Saturday evening is always a feature 
of the Assembly, and this year it maintained its record. It was 
held in two neighboring hotels (Lincoln and Claypool), with to 
some extent a common program. Three college glee clubs—two of 
young men from Wabash and Wooster colleges, and one of young 
women from Coe College—furnished the entertainment. Dr. 
John M. Coulter, head of the department of botany in the Uni- 
versity of Chicago, presided at one meeting, and addresses were 
delivered by Secretary Horst and Dr. W. C. Covert; and at the 
other hotel Dr. Hugh T. Kerr presided, and addresses were deliv- 
ered by Secretary Charles McDonald and Dr. Lewis S. Mudge. 
Dr. Wishart, the Moderator, spoke at both places. * * * 

‘‘The Moderator preached on Sunday morning at the First 
Presbyterian Church, the host of the Assembly, and commissioners 
filled many other pulpits in the city. There was a great meeting 
in the afternoon in the interest of Sabbath Observance and Tem- 
perance and Moral Welfare, at which Hon. W. J. Bryan delivered 
a powerful address over an hour long. In the evening another 
great popular meeting was held under the direction of the General 
Board of Education. Dr. Hugh T. Kerr, president of the Board, 
presided, and besides much fine music by the glee clubs, two able, 
wise, and witty addresses were delivered by President Marion L. 
Burton, of the University of Michigan, and Dr. Charles F. Wie 
hart, President of the College of Wooster.’’ . 


(From The Presbyterian Magazine, Phila., Pa., June, 1923.) 


‘‘The First Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis celebrates its 
centennial this year, having been organized July 5, 1823; hence, 
the meeting of the General Assembly in that city in commemora- 
tion of a century of Presbyterianism. In July, 1920, Rev. M. L. 
Haines, D. D., closed a pastorate of thirty-five years in the First 
Church. He developed the church into a strong working organiza- 
tion and practically closed the first century of the Church’s his- 
tory with a pastorate surpassed by few others in the history of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

‘“‘The First Church called to its pastorate, August 12, 1921, 
Rev. Matthew F. Smith, D. D., who is now in the second year of 


106 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


his pastorate. The church reports to the General Assembly this 
year a membership of a few more than a thousand. It is organized 
and ready for aggressive work in the future.’’ 


ADDRESS OF REV. M. L. HAINES, D. D., 


Presenting the Gavel to Dr. Charles F. Wishart, Moderator of the 
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., 
Tomlinson Hall, Friday, May 18, 1923. 


(Dr. Matthew F. Smith, Chairman of the Committee on Arrange- 
ments, introduced Dr. Haines and spoke of his long pastorate of 
more than a third of a century in the First Church). 


Mr. Moderator, Fathers and Brethren: 


I face, as you all see, an embarrassing introduction. That shin- 
ing halo that Dr. Smith has constructed and placed upon my head 
is much too large and resplendent for me to attempt to wear. In 
the zeal of his genuine, generous friendship, Dr. Smith has put the 
cart before the horse. In this case the more noticeable fact is not 
the long continuance of the pastor in the pulpit, but the long suf- 
fering, patient endurance of the congregation in the pews. 

Henry Ward Beecher was once asked why there were so many 
short pastorates and he answered that it was due mainly to the 
Divine mercy toward the people. 

Mr. Moderator, I have the honor to present to you on behalf 
of the First Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis this symbol of 
the authority with which you are invested. You have been called 
to the place of highest influence and power in the leadership of our 
great Presbyterian communion. You have duties laid upon you 
that it will test all the powers of body, mind and soul, to perform. 

I believe it will be of real help to you to have in mind, at the 
start, certain things of which this instrument of your office is an 
emblem. 

This gavel is composed of five kinds of material—four pieces 
of wood and one piece of silver inlaid. These five parts do not 
point directly to the five points of Calvinism, but they aim in that 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 107 


general direction. They do, however, point directly to certain 
facts which are of present day significance. 


A friend of mine here in Indianapolis, and he is a Presbyterian, 
has an article in the North American Review for April, in which 
he argues cleverly and humorously, that every thing worth while 
has not only the three traditional dimensions of length, breadth 
and thickness, but also two additional dimensions of time and place 
or position: time—place—length—breadth—thickness. This gavel 
has beyond question five dimensions, and— 


First, it has the significant dimension of tyme. The band of 
cherry wood that encircles the handle is from the desk used by the 
first elder of the First Presbyterian Church, when it was organ- 
ized a century ago in 1828—Dr. Isaac Coe. Indianapolis was then 
a village of log cabins in the woods of ‘‘The New Purchase,’’ hay- 
ing less than five hundred people. A little before, the site had 
been chosen as the location of the capital of the state. Dr. Coe is 
honored as the Founder of Sunday Schools in Indianapolis. <A few 
weeks after he had started the first Sunday School, he was the 
leader of the little pioneer band of fifteen men and women who 
formed themselves into a Presbyterian Church, built a house of 
worship—the first church edifice erected in the village,—and then 
called a minister. They pledged him four hundred dollars a year 
for his services, or, aS the call read, ‘‘so much of it as could be 
eollected.’’ Said I not that this gavel has the dimensions of time? 
A hundred years marked by the labors and gifts and services 
and sacrifices of those pioneer Presbyterians and their descend- 
ants, who during those ten successive decades have built up and 
enlarged and multiplied, until now that little church of fifteen 
members has become fifteen Presbyterian Churches in our capi- 
tal city, with a membership of more than seven thousand! 


We have in this gavel a second dimension,—not exactly math- 
ematical, but real and important,—that of place or position. I 
have the suspicion that this is equivalent to Hinstein’s famous 
fourth dimension of relativity, but as I do not understand Ein- 
stein and cannot find anyone who does, I will not stress that sus- 
picion. 


108 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


The dimensions of place or position as related to the world 
about is here symbolized. The handle of this gavel is made of a 
piece of oak wood from the pulpit of the First Presbyterian 
Church. I wish you to realize the central place or position that the 
First Church, and all the churches of the Indianapolis Presbytery, 
for which I am privileged to speak,—hold. 


I would remind you that you are here in the real center, not of 
territory or of material things, but of what is vastly more impor- 
tant—of the one hundred and ten million citizens of this Republe. 
Within the bounds of our Indianapolis Presbytery there is a stone 
monument set up by the officials of the United States Census 
Bureau which marks the exact center of the population of the 
nation, according to the last census. 


Oliver Wendell Holmes called Boston ‘‘The Hub of the Uni- 
verse,’’ but Dr. Holmes passed from earth before the end of the 
last century, and since then things and people of importance have 
moved westward from the ‘‘effete civilization of the East.’’ Kan- 
sas City claims to be ‘‘the heart of America.’’ I admit that it is 
the center of the beef and pork and sheep packing industries, but I 
ask—how much better is a man than a sheep? I say with Edward 
Bellamy, ‘‘I am for men.’’ 


Here you are, Mr. Moderator, in the center of the millions of 
men and women who make up the citizenship of America. It is a 
strategic position,—a place of high vantage. 

And now a word as to the three universally accepted dimen- 
sions of length, breadth and thickness which are also here sym- 
bolized. 


Length! This gavel is very long. 


The greatest measure of length on the earth’s surface is along 
the line of longitude. Here we are in our capital city, eighty-five 
degrees west of Greenwich. Going around in thought until we 
come to the farthest place on the earth from us, which would be 
ninety-five degrees east from Greenwich, we would find our- 
selves in Siam. Siam, we all know, is one of the fields allotted to 
our denomination for the work of Christian missions. Over there 
in Siam the First Presbyterian Church has a godly and devoted 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 109 


missionary pastor and his equally godly and devoted wife—Rev- 
erend and Mrs. Jacob L. Hartzell of Lakawn. 

Here in the gavel is a piece of wood from a palm tree of Siam, 
a suggestive reminder of the length of the arm of service for 
Jesus Christ which the Church is privileged to have and to use. 

If length is measured by longitude, breadth is measured on the 
earth’s surface by latitude. Here we are at thirty-nine degrees 
north latitude. Following that parallel of uniform distance from 
the equator around the earth and we come at the farthest remove, 
to Persia; a land which, like Siam, is committed to the missionary 
care of our denomination. 

The principal city of Persia is Tabriz. Inlaid in this gavel is 
a piece of silver filigree work from Tabriz. This silver piece was 
in the possession over there of one of the most capable and heroic 
women the Presbyterian Church ever sent to a foreign field. 

I wish I had time to repeat to you the words which Dr. Robert 
Speer wrote to me about her when she died. For thirty and seven 
years Miss Grettie Y. Holliday labored there in Persia as the repre- 
sentative of the First Presbyterian Church, until some three years 
ago, worn and broken by the privations and sufferings she endured 
during that terrible uprising of the Kurds, she finally made her 
escape and came home to die,—a martyr in the service of her 
Lord. Mr. Moderator, that little piece of hammered silver is a sig- 
nificant emblem of the world-wide breadth of our missionary serv- 
ice, 

One more dimension is here symbolized,—thickness. The great- 
est measure of thickness in the earth is that along the line of the 
earth’s diameter—an imaginary line passing clear through the 
globe to the opposite side. Here we are in the center of the popu- 
lation of this great nation of the western hemisphere. 

Suppose, beginning here, we follow an imaginary line through 
the earth to the center of the teeming millions of the eastern 
hemisphere,—the populations of the three continents of Europe, 
Asia and Africa. That diameter or line of thickness would come 
out in western Asia—and there in western Asia is Syria, another 
land allotted especially to the care of our Board of Foreign Mis- 
sions. 


110 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


In Syria, with his headquarters at Sidon, but with his field of 
service reaching up into the valleys and mountain slopes of Leb- 
anon, is a missionary-pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Rev. 
Robert C. Byerly. 

The mallet of this gavel is made of a piece of a cedar of Leb- 
anon, sent us by Mr. Byerly, a reminder of the part we are priv- 
ileged to have through his tireless and efficient labors over there 
under the Syrian skies. 

These five dimensions of time and place and far-flung, earth- 
encircling lines of Christian service symbolized in this gavel are 
true not of one church, nor of the churches of the Indianapolis 
Presbytery only,—they are true in a far larger way of our Pres- 
byterian Church in the United States of America. 

Mr. Moderator!—the smallest things, as you well know, may 
suggest the greatest. What simple homely things our Master took 
in his hand and made them parables of things divine in quality and 
infinite in reach. He took a towel and girded himself therewith, 
and made it the emblem of humble, helpful service. He took a 
piece of bread and breaking it, made it forever the sign and seal of 
the truth that He is the Life of our life. 

I would that you, as you take into your right hand this simple 
but significant symbol of your office, as your fingers touch these 
material emblems of time and place, and the globe-encircling 
length and breadth and depth of the world-redeeming work of our 
great Presbyterian Church, I would that you should get the in- 
spiration and the thrill of the tremendous realities thus symbol- 
ized. 

My prayer is that in the use of this gavel you may have the 
guidance and the induement with wisdom and power of that Divine 
Lord whose you are and whom you serve in this high office. 


CHAPTER II 
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS 
THE WOMAN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY 
An Historical Sketch 


Mrs. JoHN H. Houimay AND Mrs. WILLIAM W. WOOLLEN. 


In April, 1872, a meeting of the women of the First Presby- 
terian Church was called by Mrs. J. P. E. Kumler, wife of the 
pastor, for the organization of a Woman’s Foreign Missionary 
Society. A small group of women assembled in the room of the 
primary department of the Sunday School, and, under the lead- 
ership of Mrs. Kumler, the society was organized. Its first offi- 
cial act was to elect Mrs. Kumler a delegate to the Woman’s Pres- 
byterian Board of the Northwest, which was scheduled to meet in 
Chicago, within a very short time. 

In 1875, the society took the bold step of inviting the Board of 
the Northwest to meet in Indianapolis, to be the especial guest of 
the First Church in 1876. During this meeting the society, hav- 
ing heard that Mrs. Loretta C. Van Hook was a candidate for the 
mission field, decided to assume her support, which plan was 
approved by this assembly, and the connection existed for seven 
years. 

The story of the missionary society for fifty years may be 
briefly related as one of constant perseverance and faithful, 
prayerful endeavor. It has always met its financial obligations and 
always had its ten regular meetings a year. Its officers and com- 
mittees have been effective. There have been some changes of 
methods and objectives during the years. At one time the meet- 
ings were held in the residences of the members, at other times in 
the church parlors. A few all-day meetings were held, and a very 
few evening gatherings. An annual meeting in November, called 
sometimes the Anne J. Burgess Day, or the Self-denial Meeting, has 


LV 


112 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


been observed in the particular interest of home missions, the col- 
lection being used for this cause, and the program being arranged 
with this object. 

The Praise Meeting, held in February, has been a gala day. 
It has been the custom to secure a very good outside speaker. The 
eollection and the program are always in the cause of foreign 
missions. These two meetings have been valuable, made memorable 
by the attendance, the music, and the exercises. 

The society has always had the spirit of fellowship with other 
societies in the city, exchanging speakers and guests with them 
and entertaining the synodical, the presbyterial and social union 
gatherings whenever the opportunity occurred. | 

It has never held a fair or sale, nor given an entertainment to 
collect funds, but it has always met its financial obligations by 
voluntary gifts from its membership. 

The subject of having membership fees or dues has been much 
discussed. This was finally vetoed and the free will offering 
method prevails at this time. 

For many years this was a foreign missionary society only, but 
in 1894 the work of the Board of Home Missions became so large 
that this society, with many others, was induced to join that asso- 
ciation, the interest in and contributions to the Freedmen’s Board 
being added about this time. 

In early days the attendance was from forty to fifty, with 
an absent, but contributing membership, of about the same num- 
ber. During these years they sent many boxes to home mission- 
aries. This custom was discontinued when the board increased the 
salaries of its missionaries, and the society was directed to send its 
gifts to schools among the needy, in the various fields of our 
homeland. | 

To this has been added recently the making and sending of 
surgical dressings and such helps to hospitals in foreign and home 
stations; and even far away Alaska has received gifts from this 
society. The society has always been interested in the young peo- 
ple of the church, and by fostering Westminster guilds and 
circles, and bands, and affording speakers in the Sunday School, 
has helped in their instruction. The Young Woman’s Missionary 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 113 


Society has been an object of interest and it has become a feeder 
to the older organization of women. Delegates have been sent from 
time to time to the Summer School at Winona, to state gatherings 
and to meetings of the Board of the Northwest. 

No society could have been more fortunate in the character of 
its representatives in mission fields or more helpfully influenced 
by the letters and visits of its missionaries. 

The support of Mrs. Van Hook was assumed in 1876 and she 
continued to be the missionary until 1883, when she was trans- 
ferred to the Crawfordsville Presbytery. This was arranged be- 
cause Miss Grettie Y. Holliday, a member of this church, had vol- 
unteered to go out as a missionary and she then became the mis- 
sionary object of this society. Miss Holliday went to Tabriz, Per- 
sia and came home for her first visit in 1889, as she was ill. Her 
health becoming better she went out again, returning, however, in 
1895, quite broken in health. Again she improved and again 
went out, and once more she visited Indianapolis in 1908. Her 
private income had been sufficient since 1895 to repay the board 
for her salary. This she was pleased to do and the board profited 
by two salaries being paid, this being satisfactory to all concerned. 

For thirty-five years this happy relation of the society and 
Miss Holliday continued, and it was severed only by her death in 
Indianapolis in March, 1920, she being an indirect victim of the 
Great War. The minutes indicate the confidence in and love for 
herself and her work that the society bore her. 

The year 1920 marks the beginning of Miss Georgia McKin- 
ney’s connection with the society. It then assumed her support. 
These three devoted women have all been fine letter writers and 
by their letters and their visits they have helped sustain the inter- 
est and the work of the members of this society. 

Twice in these fifty-one years this society has entertained the 
Board of the Northwest—in 1876 and in 1917. The society has 
always been a great factor in the life of the church. It has done 
well. May God bless it in the years to come! 


114 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


THE YOUNG WOMAN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY 


Mrs. JuuiA Haines MacDonaup, Miss GERTRUDE J. BAKER AND 
Miss Frora McD. KercHam 


In the winter of 1901, when the First Church was in temporary 
quarters, a group of girls from the Sunday School met at the 
home of Mrs. Albert Baker. The need of financing two Porto 
Rican girls, students in the Kindergarten Training School, had 
been presented to them, and these young women of the First 
Church organized informally to help supply the necessary funds. 
The group included Flora Ketcham, Sarah Wilson, Nellie Baker, 
Clara Brickley, Mary Davis, Bessie Byers, Lucia Holliday and 
Adelaide Lecklider. 

Two busy winters were spent in raising two hundred dollars— 
by cake sales, church dinners and children’s parties. One enter- 
prising treasurer even formed an ‘‘auxiliary’’ to the society made 
up of young men who were cajoled into contributing generously 
for several years. Considerable amusement was derived from the 
fact that the new organization had no formal missionary program, 
no devotional exercises and that their two protégées were Catholic. 
It was even dubbed ‘‘The Pagan Society.”’ 

The next undertaking was a portrait of Dr. Haines, painted 
by T. C. Steele for the new church building. At the formal pre- 
sentation to the trustees it was received with varying expressions 
of opinion. 

Gradually the society’s activities became entirely missionary in 
character. A program of devotions, mission-study, and personal 
pledges was now the order of the day. But to preserve the social 
spirit and the friendly relations which had always been treas- 
ured features of the society, the meetings were changed from the 
church parlors to luncheon-meetings at the homes of the members. 
This has proved of special value in helping newcomers to make 
friends more quickly and to feel at home in the church. 

In twenty-two years the scope of the society’s activities has in- 
creased surprisingly. Stations in both the home and foreign fields 
receive its interested support. With a contributing membership 
of about thirty-five, it has been estimated that the society last year 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 115 


probably gave as much per capita as any other Presbyterian 
woman’s society in the state. It is increasingly evident that the 
Young Woman’s Missionary Society has met a definite need, and 
still fills an important place in the life of the First Presbyterian 
Church. 


CHAPTER AND CIRCLE OF WESTMINSTER GUILD 
Mrs. Witt H. ApDAms. 


The two missionary organizations for the young girls of our 
church are the Chapter and Circle of the Westminster Guild. The 
Chapter, known as ‘‘The Faithful Couriers,’’ is for young women 
who are eighteen or older, and was organized in 1912 under the 
leadership of Miss Mary Early Holliday,* at that time Synodical 
Secretary for the Guild. The Circle, organized several years later, 
and now known as ‘‘The Helen B. Smith Circle,’’ is intended for 
girls under eighteen. The object of these two organizations is 
identical and two-fold: First, to develop a symmetrical Christian 
womanhood; second, to bind together for world-wide Christian 
service the young women of our denomination. To carry out this 
two-fold aim, each organization meets semi-monthly during eight 
months of the year. At each meeting some time is devoted to 
Bible study and prayer. This is followed by the study of the 
foreign and home mission text books. The contribution to mis- 
sions is given in shares of two dollars each, one dollar being given 
to home and one to foreign missions. Each year the members earn 
money to send delegates to the Winona School of Missions. At 
Christmas time a box is usually sent to some mission station. 


THE WORK OF THE WOMAN’S AUXILIARY 
Mrs. Hueco H. Hanna, JR. 


The work of the women of the congregation began soon after 
the church was organized, for with the institution of the com- 
munion table came the need for linen to cover it, and the making 
of the bread to be used in the service. At first the care of these 
essentials was in the hands of the wives of the elders who were also 


*Mrs. Harold H. Mitchell. 


116 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


active in entertaining the visiting ministers and elders who came 
to the young church. From such calls on their time and interest, 
some years later grew the ‘‘Sewing Circle,’’ later called ‘‘ Needle 
Society,’’ now the ‘‘Woman’s Auxiliary,’’ formed to attend to 
the general housekeeping cares of the church building, its decora- 
tion and refurnishing when needed. 

For many years the monthly meetings were held at the homes 
of the members and the monthly luncheons now held at the church 
are the outgrowth of the refreshments served at the close of the 
meetings after the sewing planned for the day was finished. At 
these meetings the women sewed for the fairs or sales held for the 
purpose of making money for the needs of the society. The first 
such fair, of which we have knowledge, was held in the decade 
from 1840 to 1850. A very elaborate one was held in 1847 and was 
written up in the papers of that day. There is extant a note to 
Dr. Coe asking for permission to hold another such fair in the 
basement of the church in 1851. <A few years before leaving the 
New York Street Church, one of the most elaborate and success- 
ful fairs in the history of the society was held in the Sunday 
School room. The work for these fairs was done during the year 
and they were valued as an opportunity for the women to come to 
know each other while working toward a common goal. In the 
year 1911, though no fair was held, many women feeling that the 
demands on their time and strength were disproportionate to the 
returns, the money was raised by voluntary gift and did not fall 
short. The fairs began again and went on for some years with 
more and more elaborate decorations and more varied booths and 
products, the climax being reached in the one held in the centen- 
nial year. 

In the early years of the church, the receptions, or ‘‘socials’’ 
were held at the homes of the elders or other influential persons 
and were elaborate affairs entailing great preparations and the 
production of quantities of fine cakes and desserts. It was an 
honor to entertain and this distinction was properly appreciated. 

The serving of luncheons at the church began in the year 1905, 
soon after occupying the new church building, and has been practi- 
cally continuous ever since. There are eight luncheons each year, 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 117 


and dinners are prepared for the Men’s Club each month, special 
dinners at the holiday season, and on such occasions as require 
them. The society owns equipment sufficient to serve three hun- 
dred persons, and maintains a well furnished kitchen with ranges 
and steam table. 

The Woman’s Auxiliary shares in the charitable work of the 
city by gifts of money to the different organizations and by sew- 
ing for such charities as the Orphans’ Home and the Public Health 
Nursing Association. Rooms have been furnished in The Old 
Ladies’ Home and the Young Women’s Christian Association. 
Members of the society are acting on the boards of almost every 
charitable institution in the city, assuring in this way an actual 
apostolic succession from the days when the poor of the city came 
to the wife of one of the early elders for garments and shoes col- 
lected by the elders for that purpose. Sheets have been sent to 
Indian schools and hospitals; and bandages, surgical dressings 
and other hospital supplies to over-seas depots as their needs 
have been presented. 

The small attendance which characterized the society when it 
was the ‘‘Sewing Circle attached to the First Presbyterian 
Church’’ in the early days, still handicaps it in the amount of its 
output from the church parlor where is housed complete equip- 
ment; but those who sew and work together have a warm feeling 
for one another, and those who are outside that circle are the 
losers. 

The social life of the church, its comfort and its beauty are 
largely in the hands of the Woman’s Auxiliary, and efforts are 
made to interest in the society the younger members of the church. 

The society has received some bequests which are used for the 
furtherance of its aims. The monthly luncheons are well attended, 
and the women are assigned to sections by the alphabetical posi- 
tion of their names. Many strong and permanent friendships 
have been formed as a result of this service together. 

From time to time certain women have acted as housekeepers, 
over-seeing the cleaning of the church and the care of its equip- 
ment. Our church is well supplied with labor-saving equipment. 
A high standard has always been maintained as to orderliness and 


118 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the proper care of cushions, hangings, and carpets. Many women 
have given their time and interest that the church plant may al- 
ways be ready for any call made upon it. Certainly the social 
life of the church has been promoted through the century-old 
agency of the woman’s society, under whatever name it has func- 
tioned, and the organization has always rendered substantial 
financial aid in the upkeep of the church building. Its member- 
ship is open to all women of the congregation and all may find 
there congenial work and friendship. 


THE MEN’S CLUB 


The Men’s Club of the First Presbyterian Church was organ- 
ized in the fall of 1921, and has an enrolled membership of over 
three hundred men. Monthly dinners are served at the meetings 
held on the evening of the second Friday of the month, except dur- 
ing the months of June, July, August, and September. A speaker 
of ability and prominence, together with good music, is usually 
provided for the occasion. 

The objects of the club, as expressed in the constitution, are the 
promotion of fraternal relations, good fellowship, efficient Chris- 
tian service of its members, and the furtherance of the activities 
of the church. It is the primary purpose to bring the men closer 
to the work of the church, and to interest and engage them in its 
various activities. The promotion of attendance at Sunday even- 
ing services, and at the prayer meetings has also been one of its 
principal objects. The advancement of these purposes, according 
to their relative values will continue to make the club of great serv- 
ice to the church. 


YOUNG PEOPLE’S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR 


The Christian Endeavor Society of this church was begun on 
April 15, 1888, and has continued steadily for the past thirty-five 
years, during which time many young men and women have re- 
ceived training in Christian fellowship which ordinarily they 
would not have had. All of the young people of the church are 
invited to become members of this society. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 119 


The society serves as an outside means to prepare young people 
for teachers in the Sunday School. Among the present teachers 
and officers of the Bible School and church are many former active 
members of this organization. Several of our church missionaries 
in foreign lands have been prominent members of the society. 

The object of the society is to mold the young manhood and 
womanhood of the church along the lines of Christian service and 
love for others. 

~The society is in affiliation with the International Christian 
Endeavor Union of Indianapolis and with the ‘‘United Society of 
Christian Endeavor,’’ the largest young people’s religious organi- 
zation in the world. 


REPORT OF THE PARISH HOUSE COMMITTEE 
Mr. CHarues N. THOMPSON 


During the early summer of 1923 an opportunity was pre- 
sented to the church to purchase the property adjoining the pres- 
ent church property on the south, as the owner suddenly decided 
to sell, and thereupon placed it on the market. The official boards 
of the church were called in meeting and it was ordered without 
any objection that the trustees be authorized to purchase the prop- 
erty at a price not exceeding $14,000.00. Considerable negotia- 
tion followed between the trustees and the owner, with the result 
that the property was purchased for that amount. By this pur- 
chase the church acquired an additional frontage of 46.8 feet on 
Delaware Street running back to an alley 180.4 feet. The legal 
description of the property is Lot 3 in Murphy and Tinker’s Cor- 
rected Addition to the City of Indianapolis, as per plat thereof in 
Plat Book 3, page 126. Thereafter proceedings were taken on 
behalf of the church for the vacation of the alley between the 
church property and the lot purchased, with the result that in the 
fall the Board of Public Works of the City of Indianapolis, by 
proper legal proceedings, vacated the alley, thus giving to the 
church additional ground with a frontage of 13 feet on Delaware 
Street and running back the same depth as that of the purchased 
lot, to the alley. This additional ground was acquired primarily 
for the purpose of considering the advisability of erecting a church 


120 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


house on it for religious, educational and recreational facilities 
for the members, and especially for the younger people of the 
church. A general committee was authorized by the congrega- 
tion to be appointed by the minister and the heads of the different 
official boards, who were to be ex-officio members of the commit- 
tee, to investigate the subject and recommend to the congregation 
what action should be taken. The general committee, with author- 
ity, appointed a special committee of five members who were di- 
rected to study the problem and to submit a report to the general 
committee. Accordingly, on March 10, 1924, a report was sub- 
mitted to the general committee by the special committee. This 
report was adopted by the general committee and reported by Mr. 
L. C. Huesmann, its chairman, to the annual meeting of the con- 
gregation on April 3, 1924, and was unanimously approved at that 
meeting. 

The general committee consisted of the following persons: 
Louis C. Huesmann, chairman; William L. Elder, vice-chairman; 
Henry C. Sickels, Secretary; Lucian W. Bugbee, Jr.; Tyree P. 
Burke, James 8. Cruse, Henry M. Dowling, Mrs. Charles P. Emer- 
son, Miss Mary Folsom, Wilbur Johnson, Herbert S. King, V. 
Howard Larsen, James W. Lilly, Mrs. H. J. Milligan, David Ross, 
Almus G. Ruddell, Rev. Matthew F. Smith, D. D., Charles N. 
Thompson, Charles N. Williams, Irving Williams, Mrs. William N. 
Wishard. 

The special committee consisted of the following persons: 
Charles N. Thompson, Chairman; Tyree P. Burke, Herbert S. 
King, Wilbur Johnson, Mrs. William N. Wishard. 

The recommendations were set forth in a printed pamphlet 
together with other details of the report and mailed to the mem- 
bers of the congregation. 

The recommendation in general was that a church house be 
built with certain restrictions and precautions, as set forth in the 
report. 

The general committee was directed to investigate the char- 
acter and cost of a building and the plan for financing, and re- 
port the results of its investigation and its recommendation to the 
next congregational meeting for action by that body. 


CHAPTER IIT 


THE ELDERSHIP OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH, INDIANAPOLIS 


WiuuiaAM N, WISHARD 


No sketch of the eldership of the First Presbyterian Church 
would be quite complete that did not emphasize some outstanding 
facts as to the position and character of this body of men and their 
influence on public affairs in the city and state. Paul says: 
‘‘Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, 
especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.’’ That the 
religious life and personal piety of our eldership have, from the 
beginning of our organization, been pronounced, is a fact which 
has been recognized and appreciated by each succeeding generation 
since Isaac Coe and Caleb Seudder constituted the first session 
in 1823. We are grateful for the goodly heritage which these 
men have left this church organization, and emphasis of their lives 
of devoted piety cannot be too often made. There is another 
phase of their influence however, which makes clear the fact that 
‘fa pious walk and godly conversation’’ are in no wise inconsis- 
tent with an active participation in public, professional and com- 
mercial life, and illustrates the fact that Christian men in public 
affairs are better men of affairs because they are Christians. 

The eldership of the First Presbyterian Church has furnished 
one President of the United States, one Attorney General of the 
United States, one United States senator, two Governors of Indi- 
ana, two mayors of Indianapolis, numerous editorial writers, one 
of whom, by his genius and sound judgment combined with rare 
business ability, founded and for many years edited what is now 
one of the best daily newspapers in the United States. A number 
of prominent educators, eminent attorneys, and leading physicians, 
men prominent in commercial life and in the business affairs of the 


121 


hoe CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


community have been constantly found in the membership of this 
session. Their relation to and experience in the worth-while activ- 
ities of affairs outside the church broadened and deepened their 
understanding and usefulness in the councils of the church and 
helped greatly in the discharge of their duties as delegates to the 
Presbytery, Synod and the General Assembly. 

They recognized that the office of ruling elder is one of he 
essential factors in the organization of the Presbyterian Church, 
and from their contact with public affairs outside the church they 
brought to the discharge of their duties in the church a broadened 
vision that better enabled them to perform their duties tactfully, 
sympathetically, firmly, and with sweet reasonableness and Chris- 
tian charity. 

In the preparation of the series of brief biographical sketches 
which follows, the writer is keenly aware of his own lack of knowl- 
edge of many of the fields of usefulness in which the eldership of 
this church has contributed to civic welfare and public activities 
outside the church in the several generations that have held office 
from time to time since the first session was organized in 1823. 
However, it is hoped that at least some facts have been recorded 
that will be of interest to the present generation, and, it is believed 
that the chronological arrangement of the eldership is a necessary 
part of the history of the church. While many interesting 
details have been omitted, an endeavor has been made to give the 
salient facts as to names, dates of birth, terms of service and dates 
of death, with such biographical data as could be obtained and 
seemed appropriate to include in a group of sketches each of 
which is necessarily brief. All elders elected from 1823 to date 
are included and appear in the order as to the date on which the 
record shows they were chosen. While the sketches include only 
those who are dead, the names of those still living are included in 
the order of their selection. 


ISAAC COE, M. D. 


Dr. Isaac Coe was one of the first two elders of the First 
Presbyterian Church, elected July 5, 1823. In addition to being 
the Founder of Sabbath Schools in Indianapolis, he was the first 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 135 


graduate physician and surgeon to practice here. Dr. Samuel G. 
Mitchell, the first physician to arrive, preceding Dr. Coe by one 
month, coming to Indianapolis in April, 1821, from Paris, Ken- 
tucky, although a licensed practitioner, was not a graduate of any 
medical institution. Dr. Coe’s life is fittingly commemorated in 
an interesting sketch read by his great-grandson, Mr. Henry Coe 
Sickels, at our recent centennial anniversary, and it would be 
superfluous to add either eulogy or biographical sketch of a man so 
prominently and intimately known, and whose life has been so 
fully portrayed in various histories of early Indianapolis. It may 
be appropriate, however, to quote a paragraph from a paper read 
by the writer’s father* before the Marion County Medical Society, 
December 6, 1892. In speaking of Dr. Coe, he said: ‘‘ Fearless, 
conscientious, and a devoted Christian, all he wanted to know was 
his duty, and he would brave all danger to do it.’’ He was born 
near Dover in Morris County, New Jersey, July 25, 1782, and died 
at Galena, Illinois, July 30, 1855, at the home of his only son, the 
Rev. Henry Isaac Coe, pastor of the South Presbyterian Church 
of that city, with whom he spent the last two years of his life. 

The following certificate of dismissal to the church at Ga- 
lena, Illinois, issued to Dr. Coe by the session of the First Presby- 
terian Church, May 16, 1853, is of interest: 


‘‘Dr. Isaac Coe, Senior Elder of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Indianapolis, is, at his own request, dismissed from said church 
and is affectionately recommended to the Christian fellowship of 
the Presbyterian Church of Galena, Illinois, as a member in good 
standing, and now for thirty years past a Ruling Elder in this 
church. 

‘‘Thus much the Session has said, in order to entitle Dr. Coe 
to be received as a member in good standing in the Presbyterian 
Church in Galena, or wherever else in God’s Providence he may be 
ealled. But we cannot allow ourselves to stop here. We feel con- 
strained to say further that we part from Dr. Coe with profound 
regret, from our long experience of his many estimable virtues as 
a man and worth as a Christian. Many of us have known him for 
thirty years as a pillar in the church, often tested and never found 
wanting, always ready to bestow his time and personal exertions 
and purse in the cause of Christ, open and manly in support of the 


*Dr. William H. Wishard. 


124 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


truth once delivered to the saints, and manifesting by the uniform 
evidence of many long years, that he is a tried and valued soldier 
in the Church of Christ, who can be relied on in adversity as well 
as in prosperity, in the storm as well as in the sunshine. 

‘‘We cordially commend him to the church at Galena and de- 
sire only that they may value him as much as the church in which 


he has so long been an officer. 
By order of the Session. 
JOHN A. McCuune,. Moderator. 
JAMES M. Ray, Clerk. 


‘‘Prayer is now made by the Pastor in reference to the trying 
and painful occasion of the separation of our beloved father and 
brother in this Church of Zion, and the meeting of the session 
closed with prayer by Brother Thomas H. Sharpe.”’ 


CALEB SCUDDER 


Mr. Scudder was born at Trenton, N. J., on January 18, 1795, 
and was of staunch English lineage. He was made an elder 
of the First Presbyterian Church at the same time Dr. Isaae Coe 
was chosen, they two being elected July 5, 1823, and constitut- 
ing the first session of the church. He was one of several members 
of the First Church who, on September 23, 1851, withdrew their 
letters to form the Third Presbyterian Church, now the Taber- 
nacle Church. He served as an elder until his retirement from the 
church. He died May 9, 1866. 

When quite a young man he removed to Ohio, and shortly 
afterward, to Indiana, and thereby became a pioneer resident of 
both the Buckeye and the Hoosier states. He came from Ohio to 
Indianapolis in February, 1820, at a time when the present capi- 
tal city had not more than seven or eight families, and when prim- 
itive log houses constituted the only dwellings in the future me- 
tropolis. His home, a log structure, stood opposite the present 
state house on West Washington Street, and this building also 
served as his cabinet shop. Mr. Caleb Scudder Eaglesfield, of this 
city, has in his possession an old deed for another lot at the north- 
west corner of Senate and West Market Streets, conveying it to 
Mr. Scudder on February 17, 1833, for the consideration of $100. 
The lot alone is now valued at considerably over $100,000 and on 
it stands the building erected over thirty years ago and long 


ELDERS OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 



































CALEB SCUDDER JAMES BLAKE JAMES M. RAY 





























SAMUEL BIGGER HORATIO C. NEWCOMB THOMAS H. SHARPE 





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THOMAS MacINTIRE BENJAMIN HARRISON JAMES W. BROWN 


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First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH i bas 


occupied by the Medical College of Indiana. There is also 
in Mr. Eaglesfield’s possession a small sewing table with two 
drawers, made of solid mahogany, hand carved in effective pine- 
apple design, skillfully made by Mr. Scudder while he was pursu- 
ing his occupation as cabinetmaker in the pioneer days of Indi- 
anapolis. Cabinetmakers were also coffin makers in those early 
days and many of the earlier pioneers were buried in coffins 
made by Mr. Scudder. He was a man of sterling character and 
in later years was chosen to succeed another elder of the First 
Presbyterian Church, the late Judge Horatio Cooley Newcomb, as 
the third mayor of Indianapolis,—elected by the city coun- 
cil when Mayor Newcomb resigned. The writer has been unable 
to ascertain whether Mr. Scudder was subsequently re-elected as 
mayor, but his upright character and business capacity would 
have justified such an honor. ° 

As elsewhere related, it was in Mr. Scudder’s cabinet shop on 
West Washington Street, opposite the state house, that the Union 
Sunday School and the First Presbyterian Church were organized 
in 1823. The Sunday School so organized, for some years drew its 
pupils from all Protestant denominations. Mr. Scudder was active 
in the organization of the Sunday School and was one of the teach- 
ers and religious instructors. Mr. Seudder was also one of the 
organizers and the first captain of the Marion Fire Engine, Hose, 
and Protection Company which constituted the only fire depart- 
ment of Indianapolis in those days. He was an earnest Christian, 
very progressive and active in the furthering of the Master’s king- 
dom and was held in high esteem by the early settlers. On June 
4, 1856, he wrote a poem which one of his biographers says ‘‘sig- 
nified his attitude as he viewed the changing conditions and 
found himself bereft of practically all the associates of early 
years :”’ 


‘‘A single withered leaf is left 
Upon the forest tree, 
By angry winds and storms bereft 
Of other company. 
And though its friends have long since gone, 
The withered leaf still clingeth on. 


126 - CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


So one fond hope within my breast 
Remaineth there alone, 

Unlike the falsely flattering rest 
That long, long since have flown. 

This single hope still clingeth there 
To save my soul from dark despair. 


It is that when my hour shall come 
To le beneath the sod, 
That angels take my spirit home 
To dwell in peace with God. 
Let storms assail me as they will, 
This one blest hope sustains me still.’’ 


EBENEZER SHARPE 


Ebenezer Sharpe, born in Cecil County, Maryland, in 1777, 
was made an elder in the First Church February 18, 1827, and 
died August 1, 1835. The record of the session on August 3, 
1835, very inadequately conveys an idea of his prominence and 
the influence this good man exerted in the small town of Indi- 
anapolis. Resolutions expressing sympathy for the family and 
friends of Professor Sharpe, state that ‘‘This church has lost a 
consistent and useful member, this session has lost a beloved broth- 
er whose counsel and prayers were highly valued and to whom 
they always looked as to a father.’’ 

Professor Sharpe was a member of the faculty of the old 
Transylvania University at Lexington, Ky., before he came to In- 
dianapolis. He followed in the footsteps of a line of pious ances- 
tors traced back to 1719, and was a man of deep piety with an 
educational and cultural training which was strengthened and 
broadened by a naturally fine mind and lofty aspirations for use- 
fulness. Although a resident of Indianapolis for only about a dec- 
ade, the educational and religious advance of those years was in- 
separably connected with his name and probably was more largely 
influenced by him than by any other man of that period. 

An educator by natural endowment and by choice, upon taking 
up his residence in Indianapolis, he was invited by the trustees 
of the school attached to the Presbyterian meeting house to become 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 127 


its master, and on November 7, 1826, he assumed charge of this 
school which he called the Indianapolis Academy. It soon devel- 
oped to considerable proportions and resulted in the establishment 
of what the older citizens of a generation ago were wont to affec- 
tionately call ‘‘Professor Sharpe’s Academy.’’ The writer’s 
mother and other relatives, including her sisters and brother, were 
students of Professor Sharpe’s, and his earliest recollections in- 
clude the affectionate and reverent testimony which they bore to 
the spiritual and educational uplift for which they were indebted 
to ‘‘dear old Professor Sharpe.”’ 

He was made professor of Greek and Latin in the Transylvania 
University, Lexington, Ky. on October 1, 1804. Transylvania 
University was the first college in the Ohio Valley. He held this 
position continuously until July 28, 1818, and his services and 
character were of such high order that, when he resigned, universal 
regret was expressed in the commendatory resolutions passed by 
the board of trustees and the student body. A curious entry in 
the record of the Board of Trustees was made when Professor 
Sharpe, then twenty-seven, was first elected ‘‘Professor of 
Dead Languages, for a period of five years, if he shall so long be- 
have himself well.’’ This peculiar wording of the contract is 
said to have been characteristic of all contracts for teachers and 
professors in those days. That this was not included in the last 
contract made with Professor Sharpe on April 29, 1815, when 
he was re-appointed for a period of five years, was evidence that 
he had ‘‘behaved himself well.’’ Resigning July 28, 1818, he 
received the grateful expression of appreciation of the University 
authorities and students, and located at Paris, Ky., in 1819 as 
associate manager of the Bourbon Academy. 

Dr. Christopher C. Graham, a former student at Transylvania 
University, said of him in his reminiscences, ‘‘ Professor Sharpe of 
Languages was a fine Latin scholar and a jolly good old fellow. 
He sang Burns’ Scotch songs to the fellows with great glee and 
made himself deservedly popular. He was tall in stature and of 
heavy build, an excellent man who filled his station well.’’ 

Every history of early Indianapolis so amply bears testimony 
to his fine character and gives such detailed accounts of his relig- 


128 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ious and educational work that it would be superfluous to repeat 
them here. However, the record of eldership of the First Presby- 
terian Church would be wholly incomplete without emphasis upon 
his life and work in this church and in this community. 


JOHN JOHNSON 


John Johnson was elected an elder on the same date Professor 
Sharpe was elected, February 18, 1827. He was shortly after- 
ward dismissed to the Washington Township Presbyterian 
Church in Marion County which he was largely influential in 
founding. In another part of the history of the First Church, 
reference has been made to his character and influence which was 
potent in the rural community in which he lived a few miles north 
of Indianapolis. At that time the roads were so undeveloped that 
the distance from Washington Township was much greater than it 
seems now, and Mr. Johnson felt the community need of a Presby- 
terian church in his own locality, which church has been very 
interestingly described by Mrs. Wiliam Watson Woollen in her 
paper on the Washington Township Church. 


JOHN G. BROWN 


Mr. John G. Brown was born in Charleston, South Carolina, 
June, 1785, and removed to Kentucky in 1808. He was the father 
of Elder James W. Brown of the First Church and later of the 
Seventh Church of this city. He was a man of strong convic- 
tions and opposed to the principles of slavery. He was the owner 
of quite a number of slaves whom he liberated. He moved to In- 
dianapolis in 1825 because of his desire to be a citizen of a free 
state. It is said that a number of his slaves were so devoted to 
him that they would not leave him, and followed him to his new 
home in Indianapolis. He was made an elder in the First Church 
on February 18, 1827. He was engaged in the mercantile business, 
formerly a partner of the late and well known citizen, Mr. W. H. 
Morrison, and he was an influential man in Indianapolis in his 
day. He was intimately associated with Col. James Blake and 
with James M. Ray in many benevolent and philanthropic organ- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 129 


izations to which he gave his best efforts. He was a man of unos- 
tentanious piety, unobtrusive and retiring in his manner and en- 
joyed the respect of all who knew him. His home faced Meridian 
Street on the northeast corner of Meridian and Ohio streets, near 
the west end of the present Federal building which is now located 
on the square referred to. He died in 1838. 


JAMES BLAKE 


Colonel James Blake (for whom Blake Street is named) was 
elected an elder of the First Church on October 17, 1830, and re- 
moved his membership to the Third Presbyterian Church Septem- 
ber 23, 1851. He died November 26, 1870, aged seventy-nine 
years. He was so much a part of Indianapolis and his reputation 
for Christian citizenship, patriotism and devotion to every good 
cause, 1S So interwoven with the history of Indianapolis during 
almost half a century preceding his death, and so much has been 
written about him that it is necessary only to mention his name in 
this connection to those who have studied the history of the capital 
city of Indiana prior to 1870. He united with the First Presby- 
terian Church July 10, 1828, the same year that James M. Ray 
(also later an elder) joined it. He went to Baltimore in 
1831 for his bride and they returned to Indianapolis to estab- 
lish their home on the northwest corner of what is now Capitol 
Avenue and North Street, a home that was the center of the best 
social and cultural activities of the day. It is interesting to men- 
tion that the bride and groom came from Baltimore, Maryland, to 
Indianapolis in a two-horse barouche with leathern springs, the 
bridegroom driving all the way. This new vehicle was a matter of 
surprise and interest to the citizens of the then village of Indian- 
apolis, but a greater surprise awaited them when shortly after- 
ward a wagon came all the laborious journey from Baltimore 
through Pennsylvania, over the mountains and on to Indianapolis, 
bringing the first piano to the city. Dan L. Payne, former news- 
paper man, who heard Mrs. Blake play this old piano on one occa- 
sion near the end of her long life, wrote a poem about it, three 
stanzas of which seem interesting enough to reproduce. 


130 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


‘‘She sat at the old piano, 
Her fingers thin and pale 
Ran over the yellow keyboard, 
In a chord of a minor scale. 


Her hands were whitened and shrunken, 
Her form with age was bent, 

They seemed twin spirits in look and tone, 
Herself and the instrument. 


And as we watched and listened, 
She seemed to our moistened eyes, 
Already within the portals 
That open toward the skies.’’ 


Colonel Blake, for more than forty years, was one of the first 
citizens of Indianapolis, in all public enterprises and in all good 
works. One record says of him, ‘‘There could be no great occasion 
upon which he was not the chief marshal, and for thirty 
years the Sunday School children of this place marched with him 
at the head on the Fourth of July, usually to the state house 
grounds to hear the orator of the day in the reading of the Declar- 
ation of Independenee.’’ 


JAMES M. RAY 


Mr. James M. Ray was born at Caldwell, N. J. in the year 1800. 
He came West in early life, residing for a time at Lawrenceburg 
and at Connersville, Indiana. He moved to Indianapolis in 1821 
and was clerk of the first sale of town lots in October of that year. 
He was the first clerk of Marion County, elected in 1822 and at 
the expiration of his first term was re-elected. He was also re- 
ecorder of Marion County, and subsequently engaged in the bank- 
ing business. He was active in organizing the first Bible Society 
here and helped to organize and was the first superintendent of 
the first Sunday School. He was the first treasurer of the Indi- 
anapolis Benevolent Society, organized in 1836, and served as its 
treasurer for more than forty years. He was secretary of the 
first temperance society organized here, and was a member 
of the first fire company organized in 1835. He helped to found 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 131 


and was a stockholder in the first steam mill built here. Liberal 
in his contributions to his own church and to other churches, he is 
said to have contributed to the erection of all the new churches 
built in early Indianapolis by other denominations. Nowland said 
of him in 1876, ‘‘There have been few, if any, public enterprises 
undertaken in Indianapolis that he has not aided by money and 
countenance since the first settlement of the place, and even now 
at the advanced age of seventy-eight he does not seem to have lost 
any of the zeal of his younger years for public good.’’ 

Mr. Ray held for fifty years the office of elder of the First 
Presbyterian Church, having been elected October 17, 1830, (at 
the same time James Blake, another elder, was chosen). He served 
until his death February 22, 1881. His services as elder of this 
church were so long, so valuable, so faithfully rendered and so 
manifold, that it is quite impossible to adequately review them. 
Few men enjoy the privilege of such an appreciation of their fel- 
low church members as was expressed to Mr. Ray shortly before his 
death, in formal resolutions which had been adopted by the ses- 
sion and were unanimously approved by the members of the First 
Presbyterian Church who attended the prayer meeting on Thurs- 
day evening, February 10, 1881. The church records show the 
following: ‘‘Our beloved brother, James M. Ray, the senior elder 
of this church, departed this life on the 22nd of February, 1881. 
As his last sickness was protracted through many months and his 
decline gradual and steady, the final result was anticipated by 
all his friends. The session, therefore, deemed it proper, after 
consultation and without formal action, to prepare and present 
him a written testimonial of their sense of the value of his long- 
continued service in this church, both in its secular and spiritual 
interests, and of their affectionate sense of his personal worth. 
The following paper was, accordingly, prepared and having been 
read to the congregation assembled at the prayer meeting on 
Thursday evening the 10th of February, 1881, received their vote 
of approval, and the pastor and elders waited upon their vener- 
able friend on the following Sabbath afternoon, and having read 
the testimonial to him, presented him with a copy.’’ Following 
the foregoing, appear on the record several pages of interesting 


132 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


recital of Mr. Ray’s long and useful services in which the most 
affectionate and generous portrayal of his Christian character and 
services is given. In part the testimonial says, ‘‘The session deems 
it fitting, while he is yet with us, to place before him as well as 
upon their records, their willing and grateful testimony to the 
value of the service he has, for nearly three score years rendered 
this church, both as a member and as an office bearer, and to 
assure him of the abiding love of his friends and brethren. 
On the 17th of October, 1828, our beloved brother consecrated his 
life to the service of God in the dew and freshness of his youth, 
by a public profession of religion. 

‘As Mr. Ray’s residence has been in this city since the year 
1821, his whole religious life has been in the membership of this 
church. He was ordained to the eldership on the 17th day of Octo- 
ber, 1830, and, during the whole of these fifty years, with the excep- 
tion of the few later ones, during which infirmity has disabled him, 
he has been, as the records of the session abundantly show, constant 
and faithful in the discharge of the duties he then assumed. Troub- 
lous times have existed during this half century in our denomina- 
tion. The doctrinal foundations were assailed,—not shaken—liti- 
gations occurred, alienations separated brethren, and the love of 
many for the old confessions and tenets has been chilled. In all 
these upheavals and overturnings our brother shared not at all. 
The simple unquestioning faith of his early youth has been his 
stay in mature manhood and down to old age. The ‘old paths’ 
were too delightful to him for his feet to be tempted into those 
that were new and untried.’’ 

This testimonial was signed by Rev. Myron W. Reed, moder- 
ator, and elders Thomas H. Sharpe, Benjamin Harrison, Myron 
A. Stowell, and Robert Browning. 


SAMUEL BIGGER 


Samuel Bigger, a former governor of Indiana, was elected an 
elder of the First Presbyterian Church May 16, 1842. He had 
previously been ordained to the eldership and, on leaving Indian- 
apolis, was dismissed to the First Presbyterian Church of Fort 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WEBS 


Wayne, Ind. There has recently been unveiled a tablet which 
marks his grave in McCullough Park, Fort Wayne, and the exer- 
cises were held under the auspices of the Fort Wayne Historical 
Society. He was elected governor of Indiana in 1840 and is said 
to have made possible the establishment of the Indiana School for 
Feebleminded Youth. His body was the only one not removed to 
Lindenwood Cemetery from McCullough Park. The original in- 
scription was ‘‘Samuel Bigger, late governor of the state, died 
September 9, 1846, in the 45th year of his age, a patriot and a 
Christian. He died in the full hope of a glorious immortality.’’ 
Elsewhere his life and influence are amply recorded as a part 
of the religious and public record of the period in which he lived. 


GEORGE 8. BRANDON 


Mr. George 8. Brandon was elected an elder on May 16, 1842. 
He had previously been ordained to this office. He served until 
his death on August 22, 1847. It seems that an extended notice 
of his life and work was prepared and was to have been entered 
upon the session record but unfortunately it cannot be found. The 
following brief notice is taken from the record of the session on 
August 31, 1847. 


‘‘Session met. Present, Rev. P. D. Gurley, Elders Coe, Blake 
and Ray. Opened with prayer. It is also ordered to be recorded 
that brother George S. Brandon, a beloved elder of this church, 
departed this life on last Sabbath a week, August 22, 1847, and a 
suitable notice for a fuller testimonial of regard is requested to be 
hereafter put upon this record im his behalf by our pastor’s obit- 
uary notice as published.”’ 


REV. CHARLES AXTELL 


Few are the men whose history is so interwoven with adventure 
and with faithful, quiet ‘‘walk and conversation’’ as was that of 
Charles Axtell. He was born at Geneva, New York in 1818 and 
was the son of an eminent pastor of that city. He had fine scho- 
lastic training and early thought of entering the ministry. His 
health failed, however, and his physician sent him upon a sea 


134 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


voyage to regain it. He spent two and one-half years making a cir- 
cuit of the globe in the early whaling vessels. One of the vessels 
upon which he shipped proved to be a pirate craft and the captain, 
having no use for a man of piety, put him ashore on an island in 
the South Seas. Among the experiences incident to association 
with savages among whom he was able to make friends, he was 
picked up by a ship whose crew had mutinied. Following this he 
twice suffered shipwreck before reaching home. He was a teacher 
for a few years and came to Indiana shortly after Mr. Willard or- 
ganized the Indiana Institution for the Deaf and Dumb. He is 
said to have been the first regularly appointed teacher in the in- 
stitution. Previously he had been ordained as an elder and he 
was elected as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church on Feb- 
ruary 27, 1850. Subsequently he entered the ministry. He held 
many important charges and an early one was at Galena, Illinois, 
where he was a neighbor and friend of General U. S. Grant. He 
died at Mankato, Minnesota, October 30, 1891, at the age of 
seventy-three. An appreciation of him published shortly after his 
death says, ‘‘Conscientiously a Presbyterian, he loved all Christian 
people and gave them unqualified fellowship. Bred to scholarly 
and even aristocratic associations, his heart went out to all. He 
showed a pastor’s care for the most needy. His devotion did not 
degenerate into pietism. His life was so gentle and the elements 
so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the 
world, “This was a man.’ ’’ Mr. Axtell was a nephew of Dr. Isaae 
Coe and a brother of the Misses Axtell who conducted the Indi- 
anapolis Female Institute, popularly known as the Axtell School. 


HORATIO COOLEY NEWCOMB 


Judge Newcomb was born December 20, 1821, and became an 
elder of the First Presbyterian Church on February 27, 1850. 
He died May 3, 1882. He removed his letter to the Third Church 
in 1851 when he joined with others of the denomination in found- 
ing that new organization. He was second mayor of this city 
having been elected on April 30, 1848, and re-elected May 1,— 
1851, and resigned November 7 following. He was succeeded by 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 135 


Caleb Scudder who was chosen by the city council to fill the un- 
expired term. He was judge of the superior court of Marion 
County several times, and a member of the House of Representa- 
tives and served one term in the State Senate. He was for sev- 
eral years editor of the Indianapolis Daily Journal. He was 
never known to seek office but at least once was the unanimous 
choice of both parties because of his high character and honesty. 
While his political affiliations were well known, he was one of the 
few men, who, while frequently called to fill public office, was 
never known to allow partisan bias to influence his official course. 
In 1876, Judge Newcomb was mentioned as a candidate for gov- 
ernor but refused to be considered for the nomination. He was, for 
a time, president of the Board of Sinking Fund Commissioners of 
Indiana, having been chosen for that important position in 1861 by 
Governor Morton. He was nominated by President Grant and 
confirmed by the senate as Assistant Secretary of the Interior but 
declined the office, preferring to continue on the bench. He was 
serving aS supreme court commissioner of Indiana at the time of 
his death, and a few days before he passed away the entire mem- 
bership of the supreme court called upon him to express their high 
regard and their wish that he might recover. 

Judge Newcomb united with the First Church in 1847 and was 
one of the original members founding the Third Church in 1851, 
and, in addition to being an elder in the First Church, he was 
chosen for that high office in the Third Church and held the posi- 
tion until his death. 

He was interested in and devoted to the work of the church. 
His face was seen at all the services and his voice was regularly - 
heard in prayer at the mid-week gathering. In a lengthy editorial 
notice the Indianapolis News said in elosing: ‘‘Through all his 
multifarious duties and many offices of widely differing char- 
acter of service, through all the excitement and exasperation of 
polities, all the temptations of professional life, all the appeals 
that unscrupulous men so often make to ability and political in- 
fluence, he remained a pure and true man, a real as well as a 
professing Christian, and nearly ever since his majority a member 
of the Presbyterian Church.’’ 


136 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


THOMAS HINDMAN SHARPE 


Mr. Thomas H. Sharpe was the son of another elder of the 
First Presbyterian Church, Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe, and he was also 
a grandson of an elder, Thomas Sharpe, Jr. and the great grand- 
son of another elder, Thomas Sharpe, Sr., both of the latter serv- 
ing in Maryland. He had a son, Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe II, and 
a son-in-law, Mr. Hugh H. Hanna, who were elders in the First 
Presbyterian Church. 


Mr. Thomas H. Sharpe was born at Lexington, Ky., August 
2, 1808, and removed to Indianapolis with his parents in 1826. 
For two years after coming to Indianapolis he assisted his father, 
Professor Ebenezer Sharpe, in his school called the Indianapolis 
Academy. He was later a deputy in the office of James M. 
Ray, county clerk, who also was an elder in the First Church. 
He afterwards became a bank teller, then a cashier, and ultimately 
a bank president. He was interested in many commercial enter- 
prises to promote the progress of the Hoosier state and his 
adopted city. For several years he was director and treasurer of 
the old Bellefontaine Railroad and also a director of the Cincin- 
nati, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Chicago Railroad. For years he 
was president of the Indianapolis Benevolent Association, and a 
member of its finance committee. His home was a social center in 
Indianapolis and it was also a center of benevolent activities. He 
is said to have belonged to the great army of those who are in 
deed as well as in word their ‘‘brother’s keeper’’ and did not say 
to the needy, ‘‘Depart and be ye warmed and be ye filled.’’ In 
the early days a room was set apart in his home in which were 
carefully and methodically assorted the garments to be distributed 
among the poor. He was most unostentatious in his deeds of char- 
ity. Many of them will never be known until the great day when 
the Judge of all mankind shall say, ‘‘Inasmuch as ye did it unto 
one of the least of these ye have done it unto me.’’ 

He was one of the 150 men of Marion County who, on the 3rd 
day of June, 1832, as part of the 90th Regiment, as Sulgrove’s 
history of Marion County says, ‘‘Were mounted and armed, with 
rifle, knife and tomahawk and a supply of powder for the cam- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 137 


paign.’’ The military organization was formed to fight the fa- 
mous Indian Chieftain, Old Blackhawk and his braves, but was not 
called into active service because the Indian chieftain and his fol- 
lowers were subdued before the services of the Indianapolis volun- 
teers were needed. In 1840 he voted for ‘‘Tippecanoe and 
Tyler too,’’ the former being the grandfather of an elder in the 
First Church, the late President Benjamin Harrison. 

Mr. Sharpe had been serving as a deacon for ten years at the 
time he was chosen an elder on February 27, 1850. His death 
on February 12, 1893, ended the earthly career of a Christian 
citizen who had been a man of great usefulness in the community 
in which he lived and whose example of faithful, kindly and cap- 
able service in all walks of life, was publicly recognized. The late 
Judge C. C. Hines said of him, ‘‘The first impression he made on 
me was that of a just, broad-minded man of sterling integrity and 
much more than average ability. He was always ready to encour- 
age a young man and I know that he impressed himself upon my 
memory and, I believe, upon my character more than any other 
person, so that my recollections of him as then in the prime of life, 
are warmly tinged with gratitude.’’ Mr. Sharpe was the senior 
elder of the First Church at the time of his death and the session 
put on record grateful testimony to the uprightness of his Chris- 
tian character and valued services rendered to the church, both as 
member and officer for the more than fifty-five years that he 
had been connected with the church. His services included not 
cnly those of a deacon and afterward those of an elder, but he 
was long a faithful teacher in the Sunday School, and the resolu- 
tions of the session referred to ‘‘the thoroughness of his instruc- 
tion, patient kindness and interest shown to scholars, while he was 
a Sabbath School teacher.’’ 


WILLIAM SHEETS 


Mr. Sheets was one of the best known men in Indianapolis in 
the religious and also in the commercial life of the middle part of 
the last century. He was intimately associated in the work of 
First Presbyterian Church which he joined in March, 1838, dur- 


138 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ing the pastorate of Rev. J. W. McKennan. At his death, General 
Benjamin Harrison, in offering the resolution of sympathy adopt- 
ed by the session, said of him, ‘‘For thirty-four years he was a 
most regular and interested attendant upon the ordinances of 
God’s house. He gave largely to the building fund of successive 
houses of worship erected by this congregation, to the current ex- 
penses of the church and to the spread of the gospel of Christ. At 
times of revival his voice was always heard in earnest appeal for 
the unconverted and especially for the young, in whose spiritual 
welfare he was most deeply interested. 

— ““Ttigs home was conspicuous for the most generous Christian 
hospitality. He was always a friend of his pastor in his public 
prayers, and seldom failed to invoke the Divine blessing upon 
him and his work in the Lord.’’ 

The old Sheets home on the corner of Pennsylvania and Ohio 
Streets, which was long familiar to Indianapolis, was torn down 
many years ago and replaced by the present Denison Hotel. 


Mr. Sheets was elected an elder in the First Presbyterian 
Church in 1853 and died March 4, 1872. 


THOMAS MacINTIRE 


Mr. MacIntire’s life was an unusual example of a wise selec- 
tion of one’s life work combined with peculiar natural gifts and 
the possession of the tact, clear vision and ability which resulted 
in distinguished attainment in his difficult undertaking. 


From 1852 to 1879, he was superintendent of the Indiana In- 
stitution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb. From 1879 
to 1882 he was superintendent of the Michigan Institution for 
the Education of the Deaf and Dumb, and from 1883 to 1885 he 
was in charge of the Western Pennsylvania Institution for Deaf 
and Dumb. He returned to Indianapolis in July 1885, where he 
remained until his death shortly afterward. Mr. MaclIntire 
had a national reputation as an educator of the deaf, and cur- 
rent literature, especially during the latter years of his service, 
abundantly bears testimony to his interest in and intelligent study 
and understanding of the work he had undertaken. Apprecia- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 139 


tion of his gifts in this direction and of his Christian character 
are well expressed in an extract from the resolutions adopted by 
the session of the First Church at the time of his death. In part 
the resolutions say: 


‘“We regard his choice of this profession for his life work as 
a singularly felicitous one and abundantly justified by its happy 
results. To the requisites of a successful educator in that pecu- 
liar department, he added the scarcely less needful qualifications 
of a judicious business manager. Every institution that he was 
called to preside over prospered under his management, and the 
Master’s final call found him diligently and successfully occupy- 
ing his chosen field. 

‘*TIt is scarcely necessary to add that, while aiming diligently 
to advance the intellectual progress of his pupils, he did not over- 
look the importance of their moral and religious education. This 
is attested by the large number of those mute candidates who, at 
different times, have, by intelligent confession of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, attached themselves to this church. Many others also 
have taken the same step in orice ehurches to which their pref- 
erences led them.’ 


His paternal grandparents were married on the day of the 
Declaration of Independence of the United States, July 4, 
1776. His grandfather served throughout the Revolutionary 
A ey 

Mr. MaclIntire’s education was obtained at Hanover college 
and later at Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio, where he was 
graduated in 1838. He was afterward graduated from Prince- 
ton Theological Seminary, and through the influence of one of 
the founders of the Ohio Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, 
Rev. James Hoge, he was induced to take up the work of teach- 
ing the deaf. This work he began at the Ohio Institution and 
later became principal of the Tennessee Institution for the Deaf 
and Dumb at Knoxville, resigning the latter position in August 
1850. Coming to the Indiana Institution for the Deaf in 1852, he 
became a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Indian- 
apolis and was elected an elder to which office he had previously 
been ordained. 

Mr. MacIntire served as an elder in the First Presbyterian 


140 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Church from 1853 to 1879. He was born near Reynoldsburg, 
Ohio, December 25, 1815, and died in Indianapolis September 
25, 1885. 


BENJAMIN HARRISON 


General Benjamin Harrison, Twenty-third President of the 
United States, born August 20, 1833, was elected an elder of the 
First Presbyterian Church January 24, 1861, and served until his 
death March 13, 1901. 


He was an elder in this church for a little over forty years. 
He was also a teacher in our Sunday School for a long time. He 
was a faithful attendant at, and usually a participant in the week- 
ly prayer meeting service and also interested and active in Y. 
M. C. A. work. While his public life and services are part of the 
history of this republic and while it is generally known that he 
was the great-grandson of a signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, that he was a grandson of a President of the United 
States, a son of a United States congressman, and himself 
an ardent patriot, a general in the Union Army during the 
Civil War, a member of the United States Senate and subse- 
quently President of the United States, yet perhaps there are 
many members of our own church who do not know that he 
came to Indianapolis as a young man at the age of twenty-one 
practically without financial resources, and that he accepted a 
position with the clerk of the supreme court as court crier 
shortly after his arrival, for which service he received two dol- 
lars and a half a day. 


It is in his services as an elder of this church, however, that 
we are especially interested, and in emphasis of this service no 
more fitting testimony can be given than the memorial adopted by 
the session at the time of his death. In part it says: | 


‘‘The people of the country, through the press and by pane- 
gyric, have paid honor to his memory and dilated upon his 
achievements as a public man. The events and teachings of his 
life have been given in detail; the value of his services has been 
shown and the estimate of his contemporaries set forth. That he 
was a profound statesman, an ardent patriot, and a man of the 





“Awake, thou that sleepest, arise from the 


dead, and Christ shall give thee Drews? 


Iu Loving Memory of 
Tha Benjamin Harrison 1901 
Erected hy his wife, Mary Lord Garrison, (a4 


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First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 141 


purest character, is the judgment of the world. It seems fitting 
that this session, of which he was a member for forty years, and 
the members of which have been intimately associated with him 
in Christian work, in this hour of general bereavement and with a 
deep sense of personal and public loss, should pay a tribute to 
the Christian life and character of their late associate. Our 
hearts can find consolation in dwelling upon these, for all his 
greatness of manhood and purity of life were the outgrowth of 
Christian principles and Christian striving. 


‘‘Heeding the admonition: ‘Remember thy Creator in the 
days of thy youth,’ he gave himself to his Savior with all the 
earnestness and steadfastness of his strong nature. A union with 
Christ’s church was not a formal ceremony to him, nor a per- 
functory act. It was an enlistment for a life-long service, a con- 
secration of all his powers to the honor and service of his Savior 
and his God. The question of acceptance, once settled, was set- 
tled for all time for him, he agreed to all the conditions imposed, 
and never did he waver or seek to retrace his steps. From first 
to last he was loyal and true. 


‘When he came to this place in 1854 at the age of twenty- 
one, he lost no time in uniting with this church and taking up 
such work as he found to do. He became a teacher in the Sabbath 
School; he was constant in his attendance on church services; his 
voice was heard in the prayer-meetings; he labored for and with 
young men; especially in the Y. M. C. A. and in whatever way 
was opened, whether public or private, he gave testimony for 
his faith and the lordship of his Master. His walk and conver- 
sation became his profession, and in all the long years that he 
lived among us, never was the sincerity of his motives ques- 
tioned, nor the purity of his life assailed. He was a living 
epistle. He loved the Church Universal. He took the deepest 
interest in her aims and her struggles; her missionary work 
appealed to him always and he rejoiced in all the progress she 
made. He loved this particular branch of the Church with deep 
and abiding affection. During his whole membership of nearly 
fifty years, this First Church was near and dear to him. Wheth- 
er present or absent, he sought its prosperity. He gave it his 
time, his thought, his counsel, his means, and his prayers. His 
latest act in disposition of his property was to make a provision 
for its contemplated building. During most of his membership 
he was an office bearer, first as a deacon and then as an elder, hav- 
ing been recognized, when a very young man, by the unanimous 
voice of the church as conspicuously fitted for that office by 
reason of personal piety and ability. The records of this 


142 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


body attest his faithfulness and zeal and bear witness to the 
responsibility he felt as an overseer of the church, and to his 
desire for the souls entrusted to it. The influence of his words 
and life has touched many hearts. Hundreds of persons have 
been helped by his clear exposition of truth, his earnest, uplift- 
ing prayers, and above all, by the grace so manifest in his life. 
To his pastor he was a loyal and steadfast supporter, to his fel- 
low officers he was a wise and prudent counsellor; and to his fel- 
low members he was a faithful associate and inspiring leader. 
Our loss indeed is great, but the memory of him abides with us, 
both as a proof of the doctrines we profess and an incitement to 
a better discharge of duty.’’ 

The beautiful Tiffany window—Angel of the Resurrecttion— 
on the south side of the church, was placed there through the gen- 
erosity of Mrs. Benjamin Harrison in memory of her husband. 


MYRON A. STOWELL 


Myron A. Stowell was born in western Massachusetts of old 
Virginia stock in 1810. When quite young his family removed to 
the vicinity of Rochester, New York. From there he went to Ohio 
and removed from Dayton in the latter state to Indianapolis in 
1854, and united with the First Presbyterian Church by letter in 
March of that year. 

He was elected an elder on October 11, 1866, and died Au- 
gust 24, 1893 as the result of an accident. He was crossing ‘a 
crowded thoroughfare at the corner of Washington and Meridian 
Streets on August 23, 1893, and was run over by a buggy and 
fatally injured, dying the next morning, never having regained 
consciousness. 

At the time of his death he was the senior elder in age and the 
second oldest in point of service. Mr. John H. Holliday said of 
him, in part, in the resolutions he prepared for the session :— 


‘‘Having been a teacher of singing, and gifted himself, vocally, 
he at once connected himself with the choir and soon became 
the leader, a place which he filled for several years. He was elected 
a deacon in 1857 and in 1866 was chosen an elder, remaining in 
continuous service until his death. Mr. Stowell received a Puritan 
training, and his life and character bore its impress most dis- 
tinectly. He was clear in his belief and firm in his conduct. He 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 143 


loved the house of God above all things, and unless absolutely pre- 
vented was always present at the various services of the church. 
Nothing but sickness or weakness of old age could hinder his com- 
ing, and often these were not sufficient reasons. No kind of 
weather interfered with his attendance nor did he take vacations 
when the church was closed. He was among the faithful ones who 
eould always be counted upon in mid-summer prayer meetings 
and if his own church was not open he sought another. For many 
years he was an earnest and faithful teacher in the Sunday School 
and the effect of his teaching is still felt by men who were under 
his instruction. To the last, his venerable presence was seen in 
the School almost every Sunday. He was fond of distributing 
among young people copies of the Psalms or Proverbs and who can 
tell what good influence may have resulted from this practice. 
While his acquaintance with the whole Bible was extensive, his 
knowledge of those particular books was remarkable. Probably 
he could have recited the whole of both, and his apt and ready 
repetition of various passages in prayer meetings, as he stood with 
his eyes closed as was his custom, will never be forgotten by those 
who heard him.’’ 


WILLIAM E. CRAIG 


Mr. Craig was elected an elder October 11, 1866 and was dis- 
missed to the Seventh Presbyterian Church of this city on Novem- 
ber 27, 1867. He died June 25, 1900. He, with others, organ- 
ized the Sunday School in Peter Routier’s carpenter shop on the 
eorner of Virginia Avenue and Pine Streets which shortly after- 
ward became the Seventh Presbyterian Church. The writer 
knew Mr. Craig intimately while the latter was an elder in the 
Seventh Church. Removing to this city in 1876 and uniting with 
the Seventh Church at that time, he was immediately impressed by 
the faithful, consecrated life of Mr. Craig. The latter was a quiet 
man, thoughtful and careful in conversation and conduct. He was 
faithful in his attendance on the church services, the Sabbath 
School, the prayer meeting, and the meetings of the session. After 
serving as an elder of the Seventh Church for several years 
he removed to the north part of the city and united with the Tab- 
ernacle Presbyterian Church. 


144 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ROBERT BROWNING 


Mr. Browning was elected an elder of the First Church No- 
vember 17, 1870, and dismissed to the Second Presbyterian 
Chureh April 14, 1882, after having served as an elder of this 
church for almost twelve years. He died in this city June 30, 
Loot: 

Genial and kindly in bearing, thoughtful and considerate of 
others, he carried his Christian life into his daily work. He was the 
senior member of the firm of Browning & Sloan, for many years 
conducting one of the most prominent and well known whole- 
sale and retail drug stores in Indianapolis. The writer’s earliest 
recollections as a boy are associated with trips he made from the 
village of Southport to Indianapolis with his father who came from 
time to time to purchase drugs, instruments, ete., needed in the 
practice of a country physician, and on those occasions he had an 
cpportunity to observe Mr. Browning’s uniform courtesy, and 
attentive interest in the wants of his customers. In his commer- 
cial relations, as in his religious life, he was ‘‘not slothful in busi- 
ness, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.’’ 


JEREMIAH McLENE 


Mr. Jeremiah McLene was elected an elder on March 7, 1871, 
and dismissed to a Presbyterian Church of Denver, Colorado, on 
August 31, 1880. A notice on the church record indicating his 
death after leaving Indianapolis, is found but the date is not given. 
Previous to Mr. MecLene’s election as an elder of the First Church, 
he had served some time as a deacon. The record indicates that, 
for the nine years following his election, he was very regular in 
his attendance upon the session meetings and attentive and faith- 
ful in the discharge of all his Christian duties. For many years 
previous to his removal to Denver, he was a leading jeweler of 
Indianapolis, located on the Washington Street corner of the Bates 
House, now the Claypool Hotel. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 145 


JAMES W. BROWN 


Everybody connected with the congregation of the First 
Church during the latter third of the last century and the first 
few years of the present, knew or had heard of ‘‘Uncle Jimmy 
Brown.’’ He was the son of Elder John G. Brown. He was one of 
those patient, faithful, capable, and interested church men who do 
a pastor’s heart good. He was made an elder of the First Church 
on March 7, 1871, and dismissed to the Seventh Presbyterian 
Church of this city on May 9, 1879, and died December 9, 1911. 
He was also the treasurer of the First Church for many years. He 
did not marry until somewhat past middle life. Prior to his mar- 
riage he lived for many years with his sisters in the northeastern 
part of the city. He, with Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe, Mr. Chapin C. 
Foster and Mr. Alexander Craig, (all at one time ruling elders 
in the First Church), was one of the organizers of the Sunday 
School in Peter Routier’s carpenter shop, which resulted in the 
organization of the Seventh Church, to which Mr. Brown later re- 
moved his membership. 

Of his activities in the First Church the writer is not fully 
informed, but vividly recalls his capable service to the Seventh 
Chureh. He contributed to its support financially; he was faith- 
ful in attendance upon all services and for many years conducted 
a young woman’s Bible class in the Sunday School. The late Rev. 
Charles H. Raymond, who was pastor of the Seventh Church at 
the time the writer united with it, leaned strongly on the arm of 
Mr. Brown. He regarded him most highly as did everyone else. 
Mr. Brown was possessed of some wealth and dispensed it very 
liberally but was singularly unostentatious, quiet, discriminating 
and wise in the distribution of it for the good of the church. For 
a year or two prior to Mr. Brown’s union with the Seventh 
Church, the writer, as superintendent of the Sunday School, had 
ample opportunity to observe his great interest in that organi- 
zation. He always came with the lesson well prepared. He had a 
large class of young ladies and the sustained interest and atten- 
dance in Mr. Brown’s class were among the gratifying features of 
the Sunday School work. He taught this class for several years 


146 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


before removing his membership to the Seventh Church, and his in- 
terest in this work was doubtless one of the things which led him 
to take his letter from the First to the Seventh Church. He had 
the true missionary spirit and was anxious to aid in the upbuilding 
of a new organization for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom. 


ISAAC C. HAYES 


Mr. Isaac C. Hayes was elected an elder March 7, 1871, and 
dismissed to the Second Presbyterian Church on September 1, 
1874. He was subsequently a member of the Memorial Presby- 
terian Church of this city,—one of those who were most interested 
in the latter church and instrumental in its founding. He was 
a well known business man of Indianapolis and for many years 
was also most highly regarded as a man of deep piety and great 
interest in the work of the church. He believed in the scriptural 
injunction to ‘‘train up a child in the way he should go and when 
he is old he will not depart from it.’’ This is illustrated by the 
devoted lives of his children. One of them, Rev. Frank Hayes, 
studied for the ministry and has long been a successful pastor; 
the other, Miss Aurilla Hayes, married the Rev. H. G. Rice, of De- 
Graff, Ohio, who is now pastor of the Presbyterian Church of that 
place. Elder Hayes died April 19, 1906. 


LEVERETT B. WALKER 


Mr. Walker was elected an elder on March 30, 1871, and re- 
moved from this city to Detroit, Michigan, the same year. The 
records indicate that he was a valued member of the church and 
faithful as an elder during his residence here. 


ASAHEL M. BENHAM 


Mr. Benham was ordained to the office of elder March 30, 
1871, and dismissed November 3, 1873, but the place to which 
he removed is not indicated. During his membership in this 
church both he and his wife were members of the choir and prom- 
inent in musical circles of the city. He and his brother Henry 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 147 


took a full part in all the activities of the church. They were pro- 
prietors of a music store in Indianapolis, and the publishers of 
Benham’s Musical Review. 


CHAPIN C. FOSTER 


Mr. Chapin Clark Foster was ordained as an elder of the First 
Presbyterian Church on September 25, 1879, and died June 28, 
1916. He was active in Christian work in the Sunday School and 
as a ruling elder, prominent in movements of benevolence, and 
was for many years closely associated with the work of the In- 
dianapolis charity organizations. Elsewhere he has been spoken 
of as the optimist of the session of the First Presbyterian Church. 
He always looked on the bright side of things. He, with others, 
helped to organize a little Sunday School in Peter Routier’s car- 
penter shop on Virginia Avenue and Pine Street, which after- 
ward became the Seventh Presbyterian Church. He went about 
doing good with a cheerful smile and a welcome hand extended 
to all with whom he came in contact. 

Mr. Foster was the youngest of five sons of Riley and Sarah 
Foster and was born at Vernon, Ind., April 15, 1847. He at- 
tended Vernon Academy until 1863, when he entered what is now 
known as Butler College, then called the Northwestern Christian 
University. He left college at seventeen to join the Union Army, 
enlisting in the 132nd regiment of Indiana Volunteers, with 
twenty-two young men, his friends and companions from 
Vernon, Ind., all of whom enlisted in the same regiment. When 
the recruiting officer saw his following, he offered him a lieuten- 
ancy which he declined, saying he preferred to stay with the 
boys. It is said that in order to make a soldierly appearance when 
ke applied for enlistment, he exchanged his new suit of clothes 
for a faded uniform worn by a former soldier in order to 
make a better appearance before the enlisting officer. He was 
sent to Georgia at once with his regiment and made an excellent 
record as a soldier, and on his return to Indianapolis at the close 
of the war he was appointed disbursing officer of the Deaf and 
Dumb Institution, a position of trust which he held for six years. 


148 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Before taking this position he was for awhile a member of the 
United States Commission which passed on the claims of citizens 
of Indiana who had suffered financial loss by the raid of the 
rebel General Morgan, who had crossed into southern Indiana 
with his confederate troops during the latter part of the war. 
For a time Mr. Foster was secretary-treasurer of the L. 8S. Ayres 
Company and subsequently was engaged in the wholesale and 
retail lumber business in which he continued until his death. 

All five of the Foster brothers were soldiers of the Civil War 
and four of them saw active duty. One brother, William Foster, 
was in delicate health and acted as a recruiting officer, but the 
other four were sent to the front and one, Robt. S. (Sandy) Foster, 
became a major general in the Union Army and was present at 
Lee’s surrender. Two other brothers, Edgar and Wallace, were 
captains. 

In addition to his civie and military activities heretofore men- 
tioned, Mr. Foster was a charter member of the George H. Thomas 
Post, G. A. R. He was a charter member and first president of 
the Columbia Club after the latter’s permanent organization, suc- 
ceeding Mr. Edward Daniels, also a member of our church who 
was at the head of the campaign organization of the club created 
in 1888 to further the election of Elder Benjamin Harrison as 
President of the United States. Mr. Foster was also the first 
president of the Country Club. He was twice president of the 
Manufacturers’ Association and president of the Indiana Asso- 
ciation of Lumbermen and held various other positions of promi- 
nence and trust. 

He died of heart failure, after a few hours’ illness, at his home 
on June 28, 1916, aged sixty-nine years. The funeral services 
were conducted by his long-time friend and pastor, Dr. M. L. 
Haines, and his nephew, Dr. J. 8. Hanly, president of Franklin 
College. 


EBENEZER SHARPE, II 


Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe (the second), who became an elder of 
the First Presbyterian Church on September 25, 1879, was a 
grandson of Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe elsewhere referred to in these 


ELDERS OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 




















CNP UNG Co HOSMER EBENEZER SHARPE II ROBERT S. McKBHE 



































Whee Ee VET BR JOHN H. HOLLIDAY 



































HUGH H. HANNA THOMAS CC: DAY HENRY C. SICKELS 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 149 


sketches. Mr. Sharpe was the son of Mr. Thomas H. Sharpe, and 
the father and son served together as members of the session from 
September 25, 1879, until Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe was dismissed 
by letter in November, 1882, to the Presbyterian Church in Hel- 
ena, Montana, to which place he removed. He was born in In- 
dianapolis July 27, 1840. He died April 19, 1901. 

Mr. Sharpe, like his father, was always active in Christian 
work. While a busy business man in his position in connection 
with the prominent banks of this city, he found much time to de- 
vote to church work. He was active in the Sunday School, in the 
Young Men’s Christian Association, in missionary work and in all 
religious undertakings. He was one of the First Church members 
who aided in the organization of the Seventh Presbyterian 
Church Sunday School. (See sketch of elder James W. Brown.) 
The writer has recently obtained the following tribute to Mr. 
Sharpe from one who knew him intimately, and is glad of the 
privilege of incorporating it in this sketch as a deserved tribute 
to one of the best known young business men and one of the most 
active young Christian men in his earlier career in Indianapolis: 


‘‘In his missionary work, Ebenezer Sharpe was one of those 
who literally go into the highways and byways and compel, by 
earnest persuasion, the wayfarer to come in. He, with others, 
organized, in a small carpenter shop on the South Side, a little 
Sunday School, and became the first superintendent. The par- 
ents of the children and their friends, a handful of people, formed 
the nucleus of what has grown into a large and flourishing Sev- 
enth Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis.’’ 


WILLIAM B. WILSON 


Mr. Wilson was elected an elder December 1, 1881. He had 
previously been ordained to the office and was dismissed on 
August 21, 1883, when he removed to Beatrice, Nebraska. Mr. 
Wilson is known to have been a man of very high character and a 
great favorite in the church. It is also said that he was one of 
the best superintendents of the Blind Institute of this city who 
ever held that important position. He was the father of Hon- 
orable W. W. Wilson, a prominent lawyer of Beatrice, Nebraska, 
who was at one time a member of congress from his district. 


150 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


GEORGE F. HERRIOTT 


Mr. George F. Herriott was born at Franklin, Indiana, on 
November 15, 1840. He died at St. Louis, Mo., December 31, 
1900. He became an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Indianapolis (where he resided for several years) on December 
1, 1881. He enlisted in the Third Indiana Cavalry 45th Regi- 
ment, at the beginning of the Civil War and was made a first lieu- 
tenant. He served during the war in Kentucky and in the Tennes- 
see Campaign and was with General Sherman on his celebrated 
March to the Sea in 1864. Banta’s history of Johnson County 
gives the foregoing facts, but Mr. Herriott was subsequently pro- 
moted and transferred to another regiment. The statement is 
made on his tombstone in Greenlawn Cemetery, Franklin, Indi- 
ana, that he was ‘‘ Major, Tenth Indiana Cavalry.”’ 

He was prominent in business life in Franklin, being the 
owner and manager of the Suckow Milling Company. Subse- 
quently (about 1878) he removed to Indianapolis and engaged in 
the live stock commission business with Thomas Guthrie at the 
Union Stock Yards. 


Mr. Herriott bore a striking facial resemblance to General 
U.S. Grant, and it is said that when he was introduced to politi- 
eal gatherings he was occasionally presented as the physical pro- 
totype of General Grant. He was once or twice nominated for 
Treasurer of Indiana on the Republican ticket but was defeated 
together with his party. 

For a time he was located at Guthrie, Oklahoma, before the 
boom days, and is said to have started the first national bank in 
that city. 

The writer remembers Mr. Herriott as a man of deep religious 
convictions and recalls his faithful attendance upon the Presby- 
terian Church at Franklin, Indiana, of which the writer’s uncle 
was then pastor. Subsequent to his removal to Indianapolis he 
united with the First Church and was later made an elder, which 
office he held and filled most acceptably until his removal from 
the city, when he received his letter of dismissal to another church 
on March 24, 1890. 


Firs? PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH fini 


ROBERT 8. McKEE 


Mr. McKee was a descendant of the MecKees who were Scotch 
Covenanters who had been driven out of Seotland and settled in 
Ireland. He himself was born in Cullytavy, Downpatrick, County 
Down, Ireland, January 8, 1823. When only thirteen, he came to 
Philadelphia to join his brother, William, who had settled there. 
He went to work with a transport company engaged in transport- 
ing goods over the mountains between Baltimore and Wheeling. 
In 1847 he floated down the Ohio River on a flatboat and located 
at Madison, Indiana, at which place he engaged in the wholesale 
grocery business and was a factor in the management of the Na- 
tional Branch Bank at Madison. He removed to Louisville in 1865 
and engaged in the wholesale grocery business. He removed to 
Indianapolis in 1872 and organized the wholesale boot and shoe 
house of McKee & Branham. He was also a director of the Indi- 
ana National Bank and was the first secretary of the Belt Rail- 
way and Stockyards Company. 

Mr. McKee was a man of positive character as his Scotch-Irish 
descent would suggest. 

He was elected an elder of the First Presbyterian Church on 
September 21, 1882, and held that office until his death on June 
12, 1903. The older members of the church will long recall his 
firm attitude in matters of the church upon which he had decided 
convictions. For many years, on communion Sunday, at the close 
of the Lord’s Supper, it was the custom in the First Church, for 
the congregation to sing the long meter doxology immediately 
preceding the benediction, and those who knew Mr. MeKee 
during his membership in the First Church, will recall that he al- 
ways led the congregation in singing this time-honored and sa- 
ered closing hymn. 


WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON MILLER 


Mr. W. H. H. Miller was born at Augusta, New York, Septem- 
ber 6, 1840. He was made an elder of the First Presbyterian 
Church on September 21, 1882. He died at Indianapolis May 
25, 1915. He was a graduate of Hamilton College in the class 


152 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of 1861. He taught school at Maumee City, Ohio, for a short time 
and enlisted in the 84th Ohio Infantry in May, 1862. He studied 
law with Honorable Morrison R. Waite, afterward Chief Justice 
of the United States Supreme Court. For a while he was super- 
intendent of the public schools at Peru, Indiana. He was admit- 
ted to the bar in Peru in 1865 and practised a short time there 
and afterwards at Fort Wayne, Indiana, at which place he at- 
tracted the attention of General Benjamin Harrison by the high 
quality of his legal attainments. Through this relationship he 
afterwards came to Indianapolis and in 1874 became a law part- 
ner of General Harrison in the firm of Harrison, Hines and Mil- 
ler. His attainments were of such high order that his practice 
was largely in the United States Court and the Supreme Court 
of the state. He and General Harrison were intimate friends, and 
he was a confidant and adviser of General Harrison during the 
latter’s candidacy for President in 1888, and naturally was chosen 
to the position of Attorney General of the United States by Presi- 
dent Harrison when the latter was inaugurated. Aside from his 
position in connection with the public schools at Peru, he never 
held any public office until he was appointed Attorney General 
of the United States. He was not a politician, but a high-toned 
Christian statesman and an eminent lawyer. 

At the close of the Harrison administration, Mr. Miller re- 
turned to Indianapolis and resumed the practice of law. He was 
a man of dignified, serious bearing, and ordinarily of remarkable 
self-restraint in his professional and personal relations. He was 
genial and kindly to those with whom he came in contact and the 
writer remembers very vividly the pleasure he enjoyed in the per- 
sonal acquaintance with Mr. Miller when the latter, for a time, 
was under his professional care. This was toward the close of 
Mr. Miller’s life and the latter recognized that his career was 
near its end. To a word of encouragement from the writer, the 
patient smiled and replied, ‘‘ Well, doctor, you are trying to cheer 
me up, but J think I can best illustrate my own point of view by 
telling you a little story.’’ Then he said: ‘‘A friend went to 
John Quincy Adams shortly before Mr. Adams died and told him 
he was looking very well, and he hoped he would have many 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 158 


years more of life. Mr. Adams replied, ‘My friend, my landlord 
gave me notice long ago that my lease has a limited tenure, and 
that the lease will not be renewed, and that I may be expected to 
vacate this earthly tenement on short notice.’ ”’ 

In closing his memorial address on Mr. Miller before the Indi- 
ana Bar Association, Charles W. Fairbanks, former Vice-Presi- 
dent of the United States, said, ‘‘Our friend has gone to enjoy his 
well earned everlasting rest; a fine type from every angle, a fine 
type of citizen and patriot. In life he walked the straight and 
narrow path of Christian duty. Dear friend, lover of your coun- 
try and your country’s God, farewell.’’ 


JOHN HAMPDEN HOLLIDAY 


When John Hampden Holliday died, it is no wonder that In- 
dianapolis mourned his loss as that of her ‘‘First Citizen.’’ This 
tribute was well-deserved because of his upright character, fidelity, 
clear judgment, and the multitude and excellence of the important 
public services he had rendered. 


Mr. Holliday was born in Indianapolis, on May 31, 1846. He 
united with the First Presbyterian Church as a young man and 
was made an elder on January 27, 1887. He spent his entire 
life in this city, dying here on October 20, 1921. Only a few of 
the things he did can be referred to in this sketch because of the 
multitude of his activities. He was a graduate of Hanover Col- 
lege and served longer as a member of her board of trustees than 
any other man. He was a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting for 
100 days at the beginning of the war. During that enlistment he 
served in the Tennessee campaign, and at the end of the short 
period for which he had enlisted he was mustered out and applied 
for re-enlistment in the 70th Indiana Regiment, of which Ex- 
President Benjamin Harrison was then the colonel. Hither be- 
cause his health had been impaired during the service already 
given or for some other reason, he failed to pass the medical ex- 
amination for re-enlistment. He had studied law, and had also 
been a newspaper reporter, when he conceived the purpose of 
founding an independent afternoon newspaper, and established 


154 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


The Indianapolis News of which, for many years, he was editor 
and proprietor. After long and arduous service as an editor and 
owing to impaired health, he relinquished his newspaper work 
and organized The Union Trust Company, of which he was made 
president. Later, after improvement in his health, he resigned 
this position and created The Indianapolis Press, of which he was 
editor and proprietor. He later transferred this paper to the 
News and returned to his activities in the Union Trust Company 
of which he was again made president. He was held in the high- 
est respect by other financiers here and elsewhere. He was a 
philanthropist who believed in administering his bequests dur- 
ing his own lifetime and while many of them were quietly and 
unostentatiously bestowed,. others are matters of public knowl- 
edge. His liberality was shown not toward the church of his 
choice alone, but was widely disseminated. Mr. and Mrs. Holliday 
gave their beautiful country estate just north of the city on 
White River to the city of Indianapolis to be used as a park. He 
contributed to the financial needs of the Indianapolis Charity Or- 
ganization of which he was for many years president. He was 
for years a member of the State Board of Charities. He sug- 
gested and helped to organize here and contributed to the Immi- 
grants’ Aid Association,* created to promote better living condi- 
tions among foreigners, which resulted in the establishment of what 
is known as the Foreigners’ Home. He was long a member of the 
Board of Trustees of McCormick Theological Seminary at Chi- 
cago, to which he contributed liberally for many years. It would 
be much easier to enumerate the enterprises for public good 
in Indianapolis which he was not actively assisting and sup- 
porting, than it would be to name those in which he did partici- 
pate, because of the multitude of the latter. His dominating 
characteristics were sanity, sincerity, and simplicity, a trinity of 
virtues which made him unusually capable of coming to wise con- 
clusions; he was singularly proof against influences or suggestions 
that were not carefully thought out and distinterestedly presented 
to him. 


*See page 411. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 155 


He was a member of the First Church for the greater part of 
the seventy-five years that he was a citizen of Indianapolis. 
It is in Mr. Holliday as a churchman that we are chiefly interest- 
ed. He has so recently passed from among us that few of the 
present generation need to be told of his activities as an officer 
and member of our organization. Rare indeed was the occasion 
when he did not attend the meeting of the session. Always at 
such meetings he listened attentively to everything that was pre- 
sented. His conclusions were usually quickly arrived at and 
tersely and clearly expressed. His interest in every detail of the 
ehurch’s life could be gathered by his fellow members of the ses- 
sion by the familiarity with the activities of the church displayed in 
his comments. He was known to all as a faithful church officer 
but he was also better known as a faithful attendant at the 
weekly prayer meeting and the regular services on the Lord’s 
Day. At the former place he was regularly present and his voice 
was often heard in appeals to the throne of grace. When he died 
the whole church was in sincere mourning, in which the entire 
community joined. The main audience room was filled on the oc- 
easion of the memorial service at which former Vice-President of 
the United States, Thomas R. Marshall, made the principal ad- 
dress. At its formal action the session said in part: 


‘“Whereas, It has pleased the Great Head of the Church to 
remove another of His servants from the field of earthly labors 
to His nearer presence and eternal rest ; 


RESOLVED: That the session of the First Presbyterian 
Church recognizes the great loss sustained by it and by our en- 
tire membership in the death of our beloved brother, John Hamp- 
den Holliday; a loss rendered more severe by his devoted service 
to the interests of the church; 


‘““That we express our gratitude to Almighty God for vouch- 
safing to us the benefits derived from his upright, Christian ex- 
ample; for his robust and stalwart manhood; his earnest love for 
all things pure, honest and of good report; for the sincerity and 
wisdom of his counsels, his loyalty to his church obligations, and 
his fearless advocacy of what he believed to be right; 


‘“‘That we express our appreciation of his life and labors whose 
influence has been felt in an increasing degree, not alone in our 


156 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


midst, but throughout our denomination; and which will long 
serve to stimulate devotion to Christ and His Church.’’ 


DR. CALEB CHAPIN BURGESS 


Dr. Caleb C. Burgess, for many years one of the leading den- 
tists of Indianapolis, was widely known in the dental profession 
and to the citizens of this city. His office, long located in the old 
Odd Fellows Building on Pennsylvania and Washington Streets, 
was well known to a large portion of the people of our city and 
was resorted to by many of those who were in need of his profes- 
sional services. While known for his professional skill, he was 
better known in the First Church by his devotion to the Master’s 
service. He was a man of deep piety, thoroughly versed in the 
Scriptures and in Biblical literature, and active in all matters per- 
taining to the church. He was especially devoted to the Sabbath 
School. It was said of him, ‘‘Class after class has had his faithful 
service and the great majority of his pupils were brought into the 
church by his teaching and example.’’ He was a real spiritual 
force in the church and active as an officer and member. In the 
office of deacon, which he held for many years, it was his duty to 
look after the poor of the congregation, and many have testified to 
the faithfulness of his service. 

He was a man of medium height and of agreeable presence, 
and usually wore a genial smile. He and his wife, also an active 
member of our church, gave their hearts and hands to every good 
work. 

Dr. Burgess was a native of Vermont. He died at the age of 
seventy-three on December 16, 1895. He was an elder at the time 
of his death, having been elected January 22, 1888. 


ALBERT BAKER 

Albert Baker was born at Evansville, Ind., on November 22, 
1851 and was elected an elder April 10, 1890. Retired April 5, 
1917. (Living). 

HUGH HENRY HANNA 

Mr. Hugh Henry Hanna was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on 
September 19, 1848, removing to Indianapolis in 1880. He was 
made an elder of the First Church on April 6, 1898, and held 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 157 


the position until April 3, 1919, when failing health compelled 
him to resign. He died at his home in this city on October 31, 
1920. It is regretted that a more adequate sketch of Mr. Han- 
na’s life cannot be given than the present limitations permit. He 
was a publicist of wide influence who neither sought nor held a 
political office. He was a financier whose wise counsel, espe- 
cially at one critical period in America’s history, had profound 
influence on the monetary affairs of our country. He was a lead- 
er for years in the manufacturing and commercial life of Indian- 
apolis. He was a churchman always faithful and devoted to his 
Master’s service, and a citizen, friend and neighbor whom Indian- 
apolis people loved and respected. 

The World’s Work of April, 1902, in commending his foreeful 
and successful work for the gold standard of currency in 1896 
and afterward, said he was ‘‘the man who made it his business to 
fight for the gold standard until it became securely clinched; who 
by his signal energy, made the Indianapolis monetary convention 
a success and has been called the ‘hero of a great financial vic- 
tory.’’’ In recognition of his services for the gold standard of 
currency the New York Chamber of Commerce gave a dinner in 
his honor, at which time he was awarded a gold medal for his 
work and elected an honorary member of that organization. One 
of the speakers on that occasion, Mr. William E. Dodge, of New 
York, said of him, ‘‘I really think we have no military or naval 
hero who has carried a battle more wisely, with more genius, and 
with more true strategy than he, and he has been so honest about 
it, so kind and so true. Everybody in Washington knew him and 
everybody loved him. Several gentlemen there told me he had 
more influence than any other man in the Capital because he had 
absolutely no selfish motive.’’ 

For his distinguished efforts toward the establishment of the 
gold standard of currency, the New York Chamber of Commerce 
further honored Mr. Hanna by placing his portrait upon its walls. 
He later was appointed by President Roosevelt on the commission 
to devise a plan for an international gold standard system of ex- 
change. 

He was always interested in Indianapolis and ready to help in 


158 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


all good causes. He had much to do with the organization of the 
benevolences of the city and for many years took active part in 
their administration. The Art Institute owes much to him. He 
was also a moving, active force in the commercial life of the city. 

In personal appearance and bearing nature had been generous 
to him. He was kindly and gracious in manner and always tact- 
ful, forceful and clear in presenting his views. 

In our church, Mr. Hanna was a familiar figure. He was inter- 
ested in all church affairs and activities. He had a special pas- 
sion for missions and those who were permitted to be associated 
with him in the session will never forget the emphasis he always 
placed upon mission work. ‘‘Go ye into all the world and preach 
the gospel’’ meant literally what it said to him. He loved the 
prayer meeting and was faithful in attendance upon it, usually 
manifesting his interest by speaking or praying with a voice and 
words that carried conviction of his sincerity. 

His influence in maintaining the elders’ prayer meeting on 
Sunday morning in the pastor’s study before divine worship, was 
constant. 


His long time friend and fellow elder, Mr. John H. Holliday, 
wrote the notice for our church bulletin of the Sunday after Mr. 
Hanna was called to receive his coronation, and Mr. Holliday por- 
trayed Mr. Hanna’s religious life so admirably that this tribute 
to his memory would not be complete without it: 


A Memorial to 
MR. HUGH HENRY HANNA 


‘‘Last Sunday morning, just as the people were gathering for 
the morning service, word came that our beloved brother, Hugh 
Henry Hanna, had been called home after a brief illness. It was 
a great shock, especially to those who had attended the prayer 
meeting service on Thursday night, at which he had spoken with 
more than usual vigor and devotion, closing the meeting with a 
call to more earnest consecration and better service for the Mas- 
ter in promoting His kingdom through the work of this church. 
It came also as a shock to the community of which he had been a 
prominent and valuable member. The press has given the par- 
ticulars of his life and achievements, but it is fitting that some- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 159 


thing should be said of his church life on this page, where he has 
voiced his hopes and appeals for the deeper consecration of the 
church and the means to secure it. 

‘‘Mr. Hanna, as a member and officer, was devoted to the 
service of the church. A regular attendant upon the prayer meet- 
ing, he not only gave voice in prayer and praise, but gave wise 
counsel and practical suggestions for the enrichment of the 
ehurch hfe. For the past two years he has done this also through 
the Bulletin. In two things he was insistently earnest and active 
—Missions and Tithing. He advocated both with the force of 
conviction that the Master’s command to preach the gospel 
throughout all the world must be made real to the Church and be 
obeyed if it fulfills its divine mission. He saw also that in tithing 
lay the way to build up spiritual hfe by obedience and service, for 
the two combined furnish the method and the means to bring the 
world to Christ. He urged both constantly, planning and praying 
for their extension. He has done much in the church by exciting 
more zeal and persistent effort for fruitful service. He believed 
in the prayer-life and practised it. Under the trials of broken 
health he has visibly grown in spiritual grace and power and has 
shown us what the Christian can be. He has demonstrated what 
good a man can do when led by the love of Christ and inspired by 
the Holy Spirit. He has gone to his reward, but the memory of 
his life will abide long in this church as an example of consecra- 
tion and helpfulness. Who will take up his work? The need for 
it remains. : 


‘* “Servant of God, well done, 
Rest from thy loved employ. 
The battle fought, the victory won, 
Enter thy Master’s joy.’ ’’ 


THOMAS C. DAY 


Elder Thomas C. Day was born in Bristol, England, on Feb- 
ruary 28, 1844. Elected April 6, 1894. (Member of present 
session ). 


HENRY COE SICKELS 


Elder Henry Coe Sickels was born in Indianapolis on October 
21, 1857. Elected April 9, 1896. (Member of present session). 


160 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


JAMES ATWELL MOUNT 


Governor James A. Mount was born March 23, 1843, and 
died January 16, 1901. He was chosen an elder of the First 
Presbyterian Church on April 7, 1898, serving faithfully and 
efficiently until his death. He was a farmer by occupation, hav- 
ing purchased from his father the original homestead on which 
he himself was born in Montgomery County. This farm, called 
Willowdale Stock Farm, was known throughout the state. 


When nineteen years old, at the beginning of the Civil War he 
enlisted in Company D of the~72nd Indiana Volunteers, and 
served during the greater part of the war as a member of Gen- 
eral Wilder’s famous brigade. 


One of his biographers says, ‘‘General Wilder testified to his 
bravery in volunteering twice for the skirmish line at Chicka- 
mauga, when to do so was almost certain death.’’ 

Before entering the army Governor Mount’s educational op- 
portunities had been limited to the country schools of Montgom- 
ery County. After the war he continued his education at the 
Presbyterian Academy at Lebanon, Ind. 

For many years he was in great demand over the state as a 
lecturer on advanced farming methods and addressed many farm 
institutes and other organizations in his efforts to elevate and 
advance the farming industry. 

In 1888 he was nominated over his own protest as joint senator 
from Montgomery, Clinton and Boone Counties, and elected the 
fall of that year. He made such a favorable impression during 
the time he served in the state senate and gave such disinterested 
and capable service that statewide attention was attracted to him. 
He served as state senator for four years and in 1896 he was nom- 
inated and elected governor of Indiana, serving with distin- 
guished credit for four years. 

He had been an elder in the Bethel Presbyterian Church of 
Shannondale, Montgomery County, with which he united when he 
was eight years old. He had succeeded his own father as an elder 
in that church. The latter had been a charter member and for 
years a ruling elder. He was also for many years clerk of the ses- 






ELDERS OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 






































JAMES A. MOUNT CHARLES LATHAM WM. N. WISHARD, M. D. 
































ARTHUR N. DWYER DAVID ROSS, M. D. 



































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First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 161 


sion of the Shannondale Chureh and had, in addition, for a long 
time taught a Sabbath School class. He reverenced his father’s 
memory and upon one occasion said, ‘‘My father was an elder in 
the Presbyterian Church for fifty years and he was never too old 
to attend Sunday School, prayer meeting and all the services of 
the church.’’ 

Governor Mount, during his gubernatorial service, continued 
his interest in the church and its many activities, and was chosen 
Vice-Moderator of the General Assembly of our denomination at 
a meeting held at Winona, Indiana, in 1898. 

Upon coming to Indianapolis he united with the First Presby- 
terian Church and immediately manifested his interest in all its 
activities. He had a large Bible class and was faithful in his at- 
tendance upon Sabbath School, prayer meeting and all the ser- 
vices of the church, including the meetings of the session of which 
body he was a member for about three years immediately preced- 
ing his death. 

He was a man of remarkable industry and intelligent devotion 
to everything he undertook, and, when he united with the First 
Chureh, he quickly and naturally became a helpful and active 
participant in the church’s organization and seemed at once to fit 
into our group just as though he had long been one of us. He died 
on January 16, 1901, only a few days after his term of office as 
governor of Indiana had expired. 

The following appreciation of Governor Mount was entered 
upon the records of the session at the time of his death: 


*“The session desires to put upon record an expression of its 
sense of the great loss that has befallen the church as well as the 
commonwealth of Indiana in the death of Governor James A. 
Mount. Coming to this church four years ago and identifying 
himself with it, he has since that time served it in the office of 
ruling elder with exceptional zeal and fidelity. Even in the midst 
of the multiplied and exacting duties of his office as chief execu- 
tive of the state, he gave to the church regular attendance and 
hearty cooperation in its activities. 

‘‘The large Bible class for young men, which he organized and 
taught, is a monument to his ability as a student of God’s Word 
and the supreme place which he gave to that Word as the rule of 


162 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


his life. His conscientious fidelity to high ideals and his consist- 
ent and earnest Christian life among us, made his influence for 
good exceptionally potent. 

‘‘To the high respect and the honor in which he was deserv- 
edly held throughout the state for his faithful and wise adminis- 
tration of its government, we, his associates in the sacred relation- 
ship of the church, desire to add our tribute of esteem of his per- 
sonal character as an upright and conscientious servant of God 
and a loyal and devoted office bearer in the Presbyterian 
Church.”’ 


CHARLES LATHAM 


Mr. Charles Latham was born August 31, 1845. He was elected 
an elder April 4, 1901. He retired from the eldership April 15, 
1915, because of failing health, and died July 1, 1915. He was a 
brother of the late Mr. Henry Latham, and the Latham brothers, 
for considerably more than a quarter of a century, were well 
known and faithful members of the First Presbyterian Church. 
Mr. Latham was a man of agreeable personality and was inter- 
ested, thoughtful and attentive to his duties as an elder. At the 
meetings of the session he always gave that close attention to the 
details of the church’s work which was characteristic of him in his 
business life. 


WILLIAM NILES WISHARD, M. D. 


Elder William Niles Wishard was born at Greenwood, Indiana, 
on October 10, 1851. Elected April 4, 1901. (Member of 
present session ). 


AUGUSTIN BOICE 


Augustin Boice was born in Gallia County, Ohio, December 1, 
1842. He became an elder of the First Presbyterian Church 
April 7, 1904, at the same time Mr. Arthur Dwyer was chosen. 
He died on the 17th of May, 1913. Mr. Boice was a prominent 
lawyer in Indianapolis and practiced his profession for more 
than thirty-three years. He was also a man of prominence in af- 
fairs of the city. As a young man, on August 7, 1862, Mr. 
Boice’s intense patriotism led him to join the 91st Ohio Volun- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 163 


teer Infantry as a private. He served throughout the Civil War 
or until near its close and on August 21, 1864, at the battle of 
Halltown, an engagement incident to Sheridan’s campaign, Mr. 
Boice received a severe rifle shot wound in the right arm, result- 
ing in the permanent partial disability of that member. After the 
Civil War he continued his educational work and was graduated 
from Ohio University at Athens with the class of 1869. He lo- 
cated in Indianapolis in October, 1870, and immediately entered 
upon the practice of law. He became prominent in his profession 
and continued in it until his death. He was one of the organiz- 
ers and was also the general counsel for the American Life Insur- 
ance Company of this city. 

He was long a member of the First Church and faithful in the 
discharge of his duties as a Christian and as an office bearer in 
the organization of his choice. 


ARTHUR NEWTON DWYER 


Mr. Dwyer was born in Fredericktown, Ohio, October 23, 
1849. His ancestors were pioneers in that part of the state. He 
grew up in an atmosphere of piety and culture, and early de- 
_Glared his religious convictions by joining the church. After 
leaving school he followed the occupation of a millwright. In 
the early seventies he went to Richmond, Indiana, where he en- 
tered the shops of The Nordyke & Marmon Company, removing 
with them to Indianapolis a few years later. He worked his way 
up until finally he became the general superintendent and held 
that position until failing health compelled him to retire from busi- 
ness in 1909. Although his strength was failing, his interest in 
the church and in life was undiminished until the end came Jan- 
uary 24, 1911. 

Mr. Dwyer united with the First Presbyterian Church in 1883. 
In 1890 he was chosen secretary and treasurer of the Sunday 
School, which offices he held for twenty years. During the 
same period he served the church as a deacon and subsequently 
as elder, having been elected to the latter office on April 7, 1904, 
and remaining a member of the session until his death. His de- 


164 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


votion to the church of his choice was sincere and he is remem- 
bered by all of the congregation who were privileged to know 
him as being a man of deep piety, of generous nature, and faithful 
to his obligations as a Christian and a citizen. 


DAVID ROSS, M. D. 


Elder David Ross was born at Indianapolis on November 20, 
1865. Elected elder April 7, 1904. (Member of present session). 


JOHN F. WILD 


Elder John F. Wild was born at Noblesville, Ind., on Septem- 
ber 9, 1860. Elected April 6, 1911. (Member of present ses- 
sion). 

CHARLES W. MAYER 


Elder Charles W. Mayer was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on Feb- 
ruary 19, 1853. Elected April 6, 1911. (Member of present 
session ). 

JAMES W. LILLY 


Elder James W. Lilly was born at LaFayette, Ind., on No- 
vember 10, 1862. Elected April 2, 1914. (Member of present 


session ). 
HENRY M. DOWLING 


Elder Henry M. Dowling was born at New Albany, Ind., on 
July 4, 1872. Elected April 8, 1915. (Member of present session). 


CHARLES P. EMERSON, M. D. 


Elder Charles P. Emerson was born at Methuen, Mass., on 
September 4, 1872. Elected April 6, 1916. (Member of present 
session ). 

JOHN A. KOLMER, M. D. 


Dr. Kolmer came to Indianapolis as a young man and for sev- 
eral years was employed as a clerk in a wholesale house on South 
Meridian Street. He had an ambition to obtain an education and 


ELDERS OF FIRST PRES 





BYTERIAN CHURCH 























Re ee 








HENRY M. DOWLING CHARLES P. EMER- JOHN A. KOLMER, M. VD. 
SON, M. D. 





























WILLIAM G. YOUNG JOHN F. HABBE 

















LOUIS C. HUESMAN 





ROBERT B. MALLOCH JAMES H. McCONNELL 


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Sp ea 


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Ni Gon a 
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ens pane toy fey 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 165 


to enter the medical profession. The late Rev. Oscar McCulloch 
became interested in him and Dr. Kolmer entered the night 
school conducted at the old Plymouth Church and at the same 
time continued his work in the mercantile house during the day 
time. Later he went to Philadelphia as a medical student and 
the distinguished Dr. S. Weir Mitchell became interested in him. 
As a protégé of Dr. Mitchell he had the entrée into the best clin- 
ical channels and he was keenly appreciative of the opportunity 
which such an association afforded him. He graduated from Jef- 
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1894, and returned to 
Indianapolis for the practice of medicine after serving for a time 
as assistant to Dr. Mitchell. He established the Union State Hos- 
pital here, a private institution especially devoted to the treat- 
ment of mental and nervous diseases, and for a number of years 
conducted it successfully. 

For many years he was a member of the First Church and 
was recognized aS a man of deep piety and consecration. Mr. 
Hugh H. Hanna, Sr., said of him, ‘‘ As a member of the church he 
was faithful to his vows; as a deacon, and later as an elder, he 
served conscientiously. He lived but a few months aiter he was 
chosen an elder. Most of this time was spent on a bed of suffer- 
ing and he unceasingly prayed for an awakening of the church 
to its purpose and power for advancing God’s kingdom. His 
faith was strong and his death a victory.’’ 

Dr. Kolmer was born on December 15, 1865, at Zotvenbach, 
Germany, and died September 21, 1917. He had been elected an 
elder on April 15, 1917. 


WILLIAM G. YOUNG 


Elder William G. Young was born at Palestine, Il., on Feb- 
ruary 5, 1844. Elected November 15, 1917. (Member of pres- 


ent session). 
JOHN F. HABBE 


Elder John EF’. Habbe was born in Warrick County, Indiana, 
on June 18, 1858. LEHlected April 3, 1919. (Member of present 
session ). 


166 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


EVANS WOOLLEN 


Elder Evans Woollen was born at Indianapolis, Ind., on No- 
vember 28, 1864. Elected December 29, 1921. (Member of 


present session). 
LOUIS C. HUESMANN 


Elder Louis C. Huesmann was born at Dayton, Ohio, on June 
20, 1856. Elected April 6, 1922. (Member of present session). 
ROBERT B. MALLOCH 


Elder Robert B. Malloch was born at Lindsay, Ont., Canada, 
on April 8, 1879. Elected April 6, 1922. (Member of present 
session ). 


JAMES H. McCONNELL 


Elder James H. McConnell was born at Marseilles, Ohio, on 
March 26, 1874. Elected April 6, 1922. (Member of present 
session ). 


CHAPTER IV 
THE LAST FIFTY YEARS 


Historical Paper prepared May, 1923, for the Memorial Volume 
By Mr. Jacosp P. DuNN 


Whether they may ascribe it to chance, to fate, or to Provi- 
dence, many Indianapolis people esteem it a fortunate thing for 
the city that Orris K. Coe—father of Mrs. Mary A. (Coe) Thomp- 
son, devoted, long-time member of this church—took up his resi- 
dence here in 1871, and united with the First Presbyterian 
Church; for it was due to him that Myron W. Reed was called to 
the pastorate in 1877; and it was due to Mr. Reed that Oscar C. 
McCulloch was called to Plymouth Church a few weeks later. 
That each left his impress on the city in a beneficial way is uni- 
versally conceded. 

There were some features of the matter that were quite consis- 
tent with the doctrine of an overruling Providence, for it was after 
a vacillating course, and direct reversal of an earlier decision, that 
the church finally called Mr. Reed. After the refusal of Mr. Kum- 
ler to reconsider his resignation, the church, on September 2, 1875, 
appointed a committee on supply of eight members, and it labored 
diligently for more than a year without reaching a satisfactory 
result. Among various others considered, Mr. Reed, then preach- 
ing at Olivet (Congregational) Church, in Milwaukee, was heard 
by a visiting delegation, but it reported that it ‘‘did not discover 
in him fitness for the needs of this Church.’’ 


Mr. Coe, who had suggested Mr. Reed, did not abandon his 
choice. He had been deeply interested in the Wisconsin preacher 
for twenty years. They had been friends at Watertown, Wis., 
where Reed, a young lawyer of the place, was converted at some 
special meetings in the Congregational Church, and united with it. 
His church friends persuaded him that he ought to enter the min- 
istry, and he went to Chicago to study theology in the seminary 
there. Then came the Civil War. Reed dropped theology and 


167 


168 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


went out in the Eighteenth Michigan. His ability and knowledge 
of wooderaft brought him an appointment as Captain of Scouts; 
he was wounded in the knee by a load of buckshot, in an ambus- 
cade in the Tennessee mountains; he was mildly court-martialed 
for kicking an insolent colonel out of his tent; and was honorably 
discharged at the close of the war. 

He felt that he had fallen from grace; but his friends per- 
suaded him to resume the ministry, and he made good. 

In the Indianapolis discussion, Mr. Coe and his family never 
ceased to sing the praises of Myron Reed. His son, Henry Coe, 
was employed in the insurance office of E. B. Martindale, and Mr. 
Martindale became a Reed supporter. The situation dragged along 
until January 18, 1877, when, in a congregational meeting after 
prayer-meeting to consider the financial affairs of the church, on 
motion of W. R. Holloway, seconded by E. B. Martindale, the 
committee on supply was instructed to call Mr. Reed. Mr. Hollo- 
way told the story in a printed article after Mr. Reed’s death, as 
follows: 

‘‘T had met and talked with him, and found that we had many 
mutual friends in Wisconsin, and among officers who served dur- 
ing the war. I afterward met some of these friends in Washington 
and inquired about Mr. Reed as a minister. They said he was the 
ablest and by far the most popular minister in their state. They 
did not believe it would be possible to entice him away from Mil- 
waukee, but said: ‘‘If you can get him, do so by all means, and 
you will be more than pleased with him.’’ Shortly after my re- 
turn from Washington, Judge and Mrs. Martindale called at my 
house and asked me to go to prayer-meeting with them. The 
Judge said the church wanted to call a minister. The church had 
been without a regular pastor for nearly two years. He said W. 
H. H. Miller would read a financial statement, which showed an 
increasing deficiency, after which he would make a speech in favor 
of calling someone as a supply, and suggested that I make a mo- 
tion in favor of calling the Rev. Myron W. Reed for one year as a 
supply, at a salary not exceeding that which he was then receiving 
$3600 a year. 

‘‘T accompanied them and the program was carried out, my 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 169 


motion prevailing by reason of the almost solid vote of the women 
members of the congregation, together with Judge Martindale, the 
Johnsons, and the younger members of the congregation. The 
older members voted almost solidly against the call. Some of 
them afterwards said I had never attended a prayer-meeting be- 
fore in my lfe, and with Judge Martindale we had converted a 
prayer-meeting into a ward meeting and carried our point. How- 
ever they all gave the new pastor loyal support. In less than six 
months, Rev. James Greene, secretary of the church, said to me: ‘It 
is now proposed to extend to Mr. Reed a call to become our per- 
manent pastor.’ I said: ‘The year is not up yet. Don’t you 
think you had better wait a while?’ He said: ‘He is giving per- 
fect satisfaction and the officers of the church feel that it will be 
best to secure him now or some other congregation will get him 
away from us. There have been two committees here already from 
larger cities than Indianapolis to hear him preach, and it will not 
do to take any chances. We may lose him.’ ’’ 

The church records show that a protest against Mr. Reed’s 
original call was filed with the session, on the ground that it was 
contrary to the form of church government to make a call at a 
meeting set for another purpose; but the session did not take this 
view, and Mr. Reed duly accepted the call, and began his service 
February 11, 1877, and was installed October 4. But the satis- 
faction of the congregation was shown earlier than Mr. Holloway 
indicates. On May 24, on motion of Benjamin Harrison, Mr. Reed 
was called as permanent pastor by the congregation, by a unani- 
mous rising vote. 

In this connection it is desirable to correct an extraordinary 
mis-statement in Mr. Holloway’s article, which was published in 
the News of March 9, 1899, and no doubt is treasured in various 
scrap-books. He states that after the church debt was paid, Mr. 
Reed’s salary was raised to $6000 per annum, but: ‘‘In the course 
of a year or two the financial status of the church was reported 
to be waning and it was proposed to reduce expenses. It was sug- 
gested that the pastor’s salary might be reduced to the original 
sum, making a saving of $2400 at one swoop. It was argued that 
Mr. Reed did not care anything about money, had few needs and 


170 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


would be satisfied. So the salary was reduced. Mr. Reed did 
not complain that I ever heard of, except that to me he said that 
some of his pretended friends who were responsible for the action 
might live to regret it.’’ 

Nothing of the kind occurred. His salary was never $6000. 
On May 25, 1882, it was increased to $4500, and remained at that 
figure during his service. The salary story was put in circulation 
at the time of his resignation, and was naturally resented by Mr. 
Reed himself. In an interview in the Journal of March 3, 1884, he 
said: ‘‘I don’t want any misunderstanding about my leaving the 
ehurch here. The question of salary did not enter into the dis- 
cussion with me; it did not matter; that is not the question. The 
point is simply this, I feel that I have done here about all I can 
o Koma 

‘*In what respect ?’’ 

‘‘Simply this: There is a new field for me, and something for 
me to do. The church here is now united, contented and out of 
debt. The best of feeling prevails. I don’t say that I have 
brought this all about by my own efforts, but I have contributed 
to it. I want to do there about what I have done here. I have 
played my thoughts off on this people so long that there is danger 
of their becoming weary of them.’’ There is no reason to question 
his perfect sincerity. He said the same thing when he announced 
his resignation on March 2, at the Sunday morning service—‘‘I 
think probably I have done about as much here as I ean do.’’ This 
was on his mind. In that wonderful last sermon of his on Sunday 
night, March 30, he said: 

‘‘In seven years of life like mine, walking freely these streets, a 
man gets to be known—the good and evil of him. You know what 
1 have done, and I know what I have failed in. You have listened 
to what I have said, and I have remembered what I failed to say. 
J have spent some hours on the things I ought to have done and 
ought to have said. 

“‘T do not belong to the great army of the unpaid and unap- 
preciated. The appreciation has come from the people of whom I 
expected little. I have said the best things I could and you have 
taken them at their full worth. I have been conscious that I was 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 171 


speaking to intelligence, to people of experience in life, to people 
acquainted with the best thoughts of the best men. No one is more 
surprised at your great unwillingness to let me go and your wil- 
lingness to still listen than I am, for what I have to say has begun 
to have an extremely familiar sound to me, I assure you. The art 
of putting it may be new, but my thoughts are quite old, and I 
have never been in the slightest danger of being in love with my- 
self. But the wages have come in. I have received and filed away 
many letters that will ever be a consolation to me in dark days 
that are sure to come; for God does not often allow a man two con- 
‘gregations like this in two cities like Indianapolis. 

‘For some reason or other I have been able to help the people, 
and the people who, as a rule, find little in a preacher to be de- 
sired, and little in a church to attract. I have associated more 
with mechanics than with ministers and perhaps that accounts for 
things that are seen. And you have done me good. The religion 
of Jesus Christ is more to me than when I came to this place— 
much more. I see more clearly what He desires to be done. I see 
more clearly the value of the Church as an institution. Men may 
come and men may go, but the Church goes on forever. A phalanx 
has an advantage of a mob. I realize more the value of a Christian 
life. My evidences of Christianity have been living. They have 
walked these aisles. We have had, and now have, in this church, 
lives of men and women which adorn the Gospel of Jesus Christ— 
lives of faith, and works of alms and prayer.’’ | 

There was no bitterness in his heart. The Journal reporter 
said: ‘‘As Mr. Reed concluded his remarks he betrayed great emo- 
tion which was shared by nearly everyone. There was scarcely a 
dry eye in the house, and handkerchiefs were freely used. Such a 
scene was never before beheld in a church in this city.’’ But his 
view was natural enough when one reflects that he was preemi- 
nently a mentality, and an introspective one. He sought to in- 
struct, and he did not preach doctrinal sermons. Consider his sit- 
uation. Suppose the most learned jurist had to speak twice a week 
for seven years on law, to the same audience. Suppose the most 
learned chemist, or biologist, or other scientist speaking on his 
special subject under lke conditions. Any of them would be re- 


2 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


peating himself within a year; and the work of the teacher is 
possible because he has new classes each year. The relief to the 
preacher of Christianity is in the fact that the worshipers are not 
asking something new. What they want is the old, old story, that 
is ever new. 

While Mr. Reed was a man of strong convictions, he was not 
impatient of differences of opinion, if they were backed by men- 
tality. This was seen in his intimacy with Oscar McCulloch, for 
they had differences as well as similarities. Mr. Reed gave this 
account of their meeting: ‘‘ At an alumni meeting at our seminary 
in Chicago I read an essay on Matthew Arnold’s book, ‘Literature 
and Dogma,’ a book that taught me how to read the Bible. I read 
the essay in the evening and the next morning there was a general 
criticism of my work and of the book. 

‘“The tone of the remarks was unfavorable toward the book and 
essay. Seminary professors, graduates, and students seemed to 
agree that the book was dangerous and the essay unwise. Finally 
Mr. McCulloch arose and said that he had lately read the book 
while traveling in California, and that he approved its doctrines 
and thought well of the essay for reasons that he proceeded to state. 

‘“He was at that time pastor of a church in Sheboygan, Wis., 
and I was near him in Milwaukee, and we soon became better ac- 
quainted. Later on I removed to Indianapolis, and was mowing 
grass in the front yard of my home when a leading man (Dr. O. 8. 
Runnels) of Plymouth Church in that city stopped at the gate 
to ask me if I knew a minister who would do for Plymouth Church, 
and I referred him to Mr. McCulloch of Sheboygan. Out of this 
came the call, and in a short time we were neighbors.’’ 

The two were very congenial; and yet there was something 
almost bizarre in their going off on hunting trips together, when 
McCulloch did not believe in killing, and refused to shoot any- 
thing. Onee, out on the Brulé, Reed and their two guides all shot 
at a deer, and missed it; and McCulloch chortled with glee. But 
Reed got more satisfaction in watching McCulloch than he would 
have received from killing the deer. Both had unlimited courage 
of conviction. In his memorial sermon on McCulloch, Reed said: 
‘‘He had courage. When the Haymarket anarchists were to be 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 173 


executed he thought they ought not to be, and said so on Sunday 
to the congregation. It was an expensive thing to say, and it cost 
him eriticism and loss of hearers; but he told me that it was born 
in him to say what he did, and he could not do otherwise.’’ 

If McCulloch had been the survivor, he would have said much 
the same about Reed, when he shocked his wealthy Denver congre- 
gation, in the midst of a desperate strike, when the entrenched 
miners were fighting the besieging militia, by saying in the pulpit: 
‘*To-night my heart is with the miners at Bull Hill.’’ It was 
more expensive than McCulloch’s utterance, for it ended his con- 
nection with the church; and yet it also caused the organization of 
the Broadway Tabernacle Association, under whose auspices Mr. 
Reed delivered his ‘‘Temple Talks,’’ through which he is best 
known to the world. 

It also shocked many of his old friends and admirers in Indi- 
anapolis, for they did not understand the meaning of the words. 
Reed knew that the miners were wrong. His words were an ap- 
proach to the superhuman prayer: ‘‘Father, forgive them; for 
they know not what they do.’’ It is probable that nobody in any 
of his congregations ever ran the gamut of hard experience as he 
had. A runaway boy, he found himself penniless and cold on the 
streets of New York; and was saved from starvation by accepting 
the dog’s life of a eub on a Newfoundland fishing smack. Later, 
as a political colporteur, a newspaper reporter, a farm laborer, a 
student, he slowly made his way to material independence. He 
knew what it was to be hungry, and cold and friendless. What- 
ever might be the Divine attributes of justice and wrath, he clung 
to a God of infinite compassion and merey; and he knew a Christ 
who came to help people who needed help. He tried to follow that 
Christ. 

He used to teach that there was no fire now for the Christian— 
that the yoke was easy and the burden hght—but our religious fire 
prevention works only at seasons. You may admire the Kaiser to 
your heart’s content in time of peace, but you do it at your peril 
in time of war. Reed had made no secret of his faith to this Den- 
ver congregation. But they could not follow him in time of stress. 
They very naturally could not get up to his system of putting 


174 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


yourself in the other fellow’s place long enough to understand why 
he was taking chances of being shot to death for a theory of eco- 
nomic justice. 

Much of this displeasure with Mr. Reed wore away as the emer- 
gency departed, for he had made many friends of the mammon of 
unrighteousness, even though he had never gone out of his way 
to do it. He went on to the end indomitable, unafraid, and with 
his preponderating devotion to service. In his last public utter- 
ance, at a funeral December 11, 1898, he said: ‘‘I don’t think old 
age is to be sought after. I don’t want to linger on the threshold 
of the stage. While I can be of any use there, I am willing to re- 
main.’’ His death knell, January 30 following, brought sadness to 
many. It is said that ten thousand outsiders came to Denver for 
his funeral. Certainly there were more real mourners in the city 
on that occasion than on any other in its history. The services 
were conducted by ministers of the Methodist and Congregational 
churches, and the eulogies were pronounced by a Jewish rabbi and 
a Catholic priest. 

In a material way, the important event of his connection with 
the Indianapolis church was the payment of its debt. The same 
meeting that called Mr. Reed directed the funding of the debt by a 
mortgage for $16,000 payable in five years. It weighed on his 
mind, and it may seem strange that he did not take up provision 
for its payment before he did; but the obvious reason was the exist- 
ing financial condition of the community. There were few places 
harder hit than Indianapolis by the panic of 1873 and the long de- 
pression following which reached its turning point with the re- 
sumption of specie payments January 1, 1879. There was a long 
train of bankruptcies and business failures that played havoe, 
especially with old families whose property was largely in real 
estate; and it left wounds that had their effects long after, as. may 
be noted in the succession of bank failures, the State and Indi- 
anapolis savings banks in 1878, the Central, and Woollen, Webb & 
Co. in 1882; the Indiana National and First National in 1883—the 
latter reopened, but closed up in 1886; Fletcher and Sharpe and 
A. & J: C. 8. Harrison in 1884, and Ritzingers in 1886. 

Reed understood the effect of hard times on church relations. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 175 


As he said, he had read Buckle, and agreed with him that bad 
crops lessened the marriage rate—that when crops were poor min- 
isters were seen seeking other employment to eke out their salaries. 
It is not easy for any man to lament the woes of others when he is 
in deep trouble himself. He deferred action on the church debt 
until within sixty days of its maturity; and then he had ltho- 
eraphed, and sent out the following letter, all on his own respon- 
sibility : 


‘<Tndianapolis, Ind., April 20, 1882. 
Dear Sir: 

The debt on the First Presbyterian Church can be paid if each 
individual interested, not measuring his duty by that of others, 
will do what he can. What each gives or withholds is a matter 
for the private mind and conscience to decide, wholly independent 
of the action of others. This correspondence will be regarded by 
me as strictly confidential. If the result should be what I expect, 
it will be announced in due time. If the attempt to remove the 
great hindrance fails, nothing will be said. 

Yours truly, 
Myron W. ReEeEp.’’ 


Inclosed with this was a blank note payable to the First Pres- 
byterian church ‘‘only when Sixteen Thousand Dollars in like sub- 
scription has been pledged.’’ Nothing was given to the public 
until at a congregational meeting on May 17, when the pastor re- 
ported hopeful progress, and suggested cooperation. Several new 
subscriptions were made; some increased their subscriptions fifty 
per cent; and the meeting adjourned to the next night, after 
prayer-meeting. The meeting on the 18th resulted in a general 
determination to see the project through, and adjournment for one 
week. On the 25th it was announced that the subscription was only 
$1400 short; and that was expected from two members then re- 
turning from Europe. A member then said he would be respon- 
sible for any deficiency after the two absentees were heard from; 
and the thing was done. The evening service on June 25 was 
made a meeting of praise and thanksgiving for the deliverance. 

Myron Reed was not an easy man to follow in a pastorate. <A 


176 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


supply committee was promptly appointed on April 3, 1884, and 
some rather stiff resolutions adopted, one of which was that no 
candidate be invited to visit the church and preach. The commit- 
tee recommended two calls, which were made and declined. Nearly 
a year passed, and the church was showing signs of restlessness. 
Several members had taken pews at the Second Church, and others 
were attending elsewhere. Governor Conrad Baker remarked to 
his son Albert: ‘‘ Why wouldn’t your college-mate Haines be a good 
man for your church?’’ Albert replied that he thought he 
would; but that their friendship and intimacy were such that he 
felt a hesitancy about proposing him. ‘‘Why not get someone else 
to propose him?’’ asked the practical father. The son accepted the 
counsel, and laid the matter before H. J. Milligan, of the supply 
committee. Mr. Milligan accorded with enthusiasm, and made the 
nomination to the committee. 

John H. Holliday was sent on to hear Mr. Haines, and re- 
ported that he had not talked with him five minutes until he was 
satisfied he was the man the church needed. He also took the lib- 
erty of inviting Mr. Haines to visit the church and preach, not- 
withstanding the resolutions to the contrary. Mr. Haines, who 
was then pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church at Astoria, L. I. 
came to Indianapolis and preached on February 8, 1885; and on 
February 26 the congregation, by a unanimous rising vote, called 
him to the pulpit. Mr. Haines accepted, and preached his first 
sermon as pastor on April 5; he was received into membership 
by the Presbytery on April 7, and installed on April 12. 

The wisdom of the selection is evidenced by the period of ser- 
vice of Dr. Haines. Previous to his, the longest term was that 
of Dr. Gurley, which was eight years and eleven months. Next 
was Dr. Nixon’s term of eight years; and next Myron Reed’s stay 
of seven years and two months. Mr. Reed was the tenth installed 
pastor in the first fifty-five years of the church. On April 5, 
1910, the church celebrated the completion of the twenty-fifth year 
of the pastorate of Dr. Haines, and the committee, in its invitation, . 
said: ‘‘This is one of the most notable events in the life of the 
church, no previous pastor having served as much as ten years; 
and it is equally notable in the life of Dr. Haines, as few ministers 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Te 


ever remain so long in one connection. * * * When we remem- 
ber how his life and ministrations have blessed us all these years, 
how he has labored so effectively in building up the church, how 
he has been a warm friend and true shepherd in health and sick- 
ness, In joy and sorrow, we should feel a deep debt of gratitude 
and rejoice that this celebration will give an opportunity for some 
acknowledgment of it.’’ 

Without any consultation with the other members of the his- 
tory committee, the writer ventures the suggestion that this state- 
ment outlines the cause of this long service, continued actively un- 
til 1920, and rounding out the church’s first century as Pastor 
Emeritus. Without any disparagement to the noble list of men 
who preceded him, Dr. Haines has been a pastor as none of them 
were—a personal pastor. There has never been a member of the 
ehurch who did not realize that in Dr. Haines he had a sympa- 
thetic friend—not an official friend, but a personal friend. A 
dozen years ago I wrote of him that if he were among the Indians, 
they would name him Al-wa-non-dah, or Everybody-Loves-Him, 
and I retain that faith. There have been times when various mem- 
bers of the church have disagreed with him, over matters that, with 
other pastors, might have led to rupture; but love ‘‘beareth all 
things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.’’ 
Nobody could quarrel with Dr. Haines, because he is unable to 
quarrel. If completely exasperated with a man, he might pos- 
sibly offer to pray with the offender, but even that only in an ex- 
treme case. 

If any person should suspect me of being a prejudiced wit- 
ness, I submit to an unbiased world that Benjamin Harrison and 
John H. Holliday were conservative in their judgment and expres- 
sion; and yet at a public church meeting, Benjamin Harrison said 
of Dr. Haines: ‘‘I thank God for a pastor who preaches Christ 
erucified, and never says a foolish thing;’’ and John H. Holliday 
added: ‘‘and never does a foolish thing.”’ 

Under his ministrations the life of the church has naturally 
been for the most part a quiet growth in grace, and especially in 
knowledge of the religion of Christian love. It may be doubted 
that many members of the congregation could pass creditable 


178 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


examinations in the Confession of Faith, but they have developed 
faith in the doctrine of a favorite poem of Dr. Haines— 


‘The love of home and native land, 
The love that springs in son and sire, 
And that which welds the heart and hand 
Of man and maiden in its fire, 
Are signs, by which we understand 


‘‘The love whose passion shook the Cross ;— 
And all those loves that, deep and broad, 
Make princely gain of piteous loss, 

Reveal the love that lives in God 
As in a blood-illumined gloss.’’ 


In a material way, the outstanding event of Dr. Haines’ pastor- 
ate was the removal to the fourth church building occupied by the 
congregation. In 1899 the national government decided to acquire 
the entire block on which the church at New York and Pennsyl- 
vania streets stood, as a site for a postoffice building. At a spe- 
cial meeting, on June 22 of that year, on motion of Thos. C. Day, 
the trustees were authorized to convey the church property to 
the government for $60,000. Some of the property-owners in the 
block asked prices that were considered exorbitant, and the govern- 
ment condemned the entire property. The appraisers fixed the 
value of the church property at $65,000, and that sum was re- 
ceived for it. 

On July 23, Dr. Haines, Benjamin Harrison, Hugh H. Hanna, 
John H. Holliday, Elijah B. Martindale, Medford B. Wilson, 
Harry J. Milligan, Henry C. Long, Albert Baker, James W. 
Lilly, Joseph H. Pattison, John F. Wild, Charles Latham, Evans 
Woollen, and Thos. C. Day were appointed a committee to select 
a site for a new church; and February 7, 1901, reported that they 
had selected and purchased the site at the southeast corner of 
Delaware and Sixteenth streets, 140 feet on the former, and 180 
feet on the latter, for $24,000. At the same meeting John H. Holli- | 
day, Chapin Foster, Hugh H. Hanna, Benjamin Harrison and Dr. 





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First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 179 


Haines were appointed a committee for building the church. Ben- 
jamin Harrison died in the month following and was replaced by 
James W. Lilly. Dr. Haines resigned from the building committee 
in December 1902, and was replaced by John F. Wild. 

As the government desired early possession of the property, the 
congregation met for several weeks in the High School building at 
Pennsylvania and North streets, and December 8, 1901, removed to 
a temporary building which had been erected on Alabama street 
near Fifteenth, and which was dedicated on that date. This build- 
ing cost $2,137.50, and was later sold for $900. It has since been 
occupied by All Souls Unitarian church. The corner stone of the 
new church was laid on June 26, 1902, with interesting ceremonies. 
The same stone was used that had been used in the second and 
third buildings; and the documentary material originally placed 
in it was resealed in it, with later documents. As the building 
fronted west, the stone was laid at the northwest corner instead of 
the northeast, as customary. In the absence of Dr. Haines, who 
was in Kurope, John H. Holliday, chairman of the building com- 
mittee, presided and laid the stone. 

The Sunday-school room of the new church was first occupied 
on June 7, 1903, the main building on October 4, 1903, when it 
was dedicated. In the final report of the building committee, on 
April 6, 1905, it was said that the total cost of the new home was 
$108,321.40, of which $24,100 was for the ground. All of this had 
been paid but $7,000. The committee said: ‘‘A comparison of the 
cost of this church with the old one is interesting. The ground at 
the corner of Pennsylvania and New York streets, which cost $13,- 
500, was only about half as large in area. The total cost of the 
site and building was about $105,000. This did not include the 
organ, and we do not know whether it included any of the furnish- 
ings. It was a brick building and had considerably less room than 
this one. 

‘‘The cost of this building and site has been a little over $3,000 
more, which includes furnishings and the rebuilding of the organ, 
the latter item alone nearly covering the difference. Thus we have 
about twice as much ground, and a stone church much larger, more 
commodious, and far better equipped, for about the same cost.’’ 


180 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


It may be noted here that on February 27, 1902, Dr. Haines was 
given a vacation of six months on account of his health; and Rev. 
John Walter Parker, a talented young minister, was called from 
Greensburgh as stated supply during his absence. Mr. Parker also 
suffered ill health, and early in August went to Winona Lake 
for a vacation of three weeks. He did not improve, and went to 
the home of his father, at Converse, Ind., where he died August 
23. Mr. Parker was born at Edinburgh, Ind., September 29, 1867. 
Excepting Dr. Haines, who was born at Aurora, Ind., May 4, 
1850, he was the only pastor of this church who was a native of 
the state. He was educated at Wabash and Princeton, graduating 
from the Theological Seminary in 1895. He worked for a time in 
New York missions, and was then called to Greensburgh, where he 
labored for five years. 

In the spring of 1912, on account of the increased duties of the 
pastorate, it was decided to obtain an assistant minister, and Rev. 
Louis W. Sherwin, of Auburn, New York was secured. He was a 
vraduate of Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa., and of Auburn 
Theological Seminary; studied for a year at the Boston University 
Divinity College, and was for some months in charge of the Y. M. 
C. A. work among medical students at Philadelphia. Mr. Sherwin 
was a licentiate of the Presbytery of Auburn, and was ordained 
by the Presbytery of Indianapolis on June 23, 1912; on which 
occasion he was also welcomed as assistant minister. Mr. Sherwin 
remained with the church for three years, and resigned to accept a 
call to the pastorate of the Second Presbyterian Church of Oil City, 
Pa., on June 27, 1915. 

At the Sunday morning service on July 4, 1920, Dr. Haines an- 
nounced that his health demanded his cessation from active work, 
and called a meeting of the congregation for the 8th to receive his 
resignation, effective November 1. At that meeting the position 
of Pastor Emeritus was created and given him. At the same meet- 
ing, on recommendation of Dr. Haines, a committee was appointed 
to obtain a new pastor. 

The First Church people released Dr. Haines with many ex- 
pressions of appreciation of his long and faithful services and of 
sorrow at the loss of their honored pastor and his much-beloved 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 181 


wife. Great regret was expressed that the association, which had 
existed between them and the congregation for more than thirty- 
five years, was about to be terminated. However, there was com- 
pensation in the fact that Indianapolis was to continue to be their 
home. During the summer Dr. and Mrs. Haines reside at Inter- 
laken, New York, near Trumansburg, the home of their daughter 
Lydia, Mrs. William P. Biggs. The younger daughter, Julia, is 
the wife of Dr. John A. MacDonald, one of the leading physicians 
of Indianapolis. 

The committee on pastor had difficulty in finding a minister 
who fully met its views; however, in August, 1921, its attention 
was centered upon Rev. Matthew F. Smith, D.D., pastor of the 
First Presbyterian Church, Beaver Falls, Pa. Several visits by of- 
ficers of the church were made to Beaver Falls and at length Dr. 
Smith was induced to come to the city to look the situation over. 
He was received, on September 2nd, at a largely attended church 
dinner, at which the history and activities of the First Presby- 
terian Church were set forth by half a dozen speakers. Dr. Smith 
occupied the pulpit the following Sunday and later on, wrote from 
Beaver Falls accepting the call, which was unanimous by the 
church and congregation. 

Dr. Matthew F. Smith was born October 12, 1882, on a farm 
near Dubois, Pennsylvania. He received his academic education 
at Grove City College in western Pennsylvania and pursued his 
theological course at Western Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, 
graduating in May, 1911. Immediately after graduation, he was 
called to the pastorate of the Mill Creek, Pennsylvania, Church, 
one of the oldest Presbyterian Churches west of the Allegheny 
Mountains. Here he remained until April, 1915, when he accepted 
a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, Pennsyl- 
vania, laboring there for seven years, taking an active part in the 
social work of the community and especially in the Americaniza- 
tion of foreigners. January 1, 1913, Dr. Smith married Miss 
Helen E. Bargar of Smithfield, Ohio. They have three sons, 
Robert Matthew, George Richard, and David John. Dr. Smith is 
ably supported in his pastoral labors by the readiness and effi- 


182 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ciency with which Mrs. Smith responds to all the demands made 
upon her as a minister’s wife. 

Dr. Smith is an expository preacher. He evidently believes 
the Bible to be the messages of the Heavenly Father to His chil- 
dren. These messages he studiously applies to the problems and 
experiences of modern life, affording rich material for his pulpit 
addresses. Dr. Smith is a clear thinker who possesses the happy 
faculty of so analyzing his theme that every part is clearly brought 
to view, and, with his conception of the nobility and power of the 
gospel message, it is not surprising to find that he impresses his 
congregation, as well as persons who meet him casually, with his 
enthusiasm for the Gospel of Christ. Not only in his public ad- 
dresses is this enthusiasm conspicuously shown, but in the untiring 
zeal with which he pushes all the activities of the church; both 
testify to his love for the Master and the Master’s service. 

Dr. Smith vigorously adheres to the precept: ‘‘Be ye doers of 
the word and not hearers only.’’ He proceeds on the theory that 
each church member must have some church duty to perform. 

The hearty response to Dr. Smith’s inspiring preaching and 
leadership is shown by the eagerness of the membership of the 
First Presbyterian Church to share with him in the various ac- 
tivities which he plans, as well as by the number of persons coming 
into the church. Since October, 1921, 325 persons have been re- 
ceived, or an average of 108 members per year. Dr. Charles Syl- 
vester Horne, in ‘‘The Romance of Preaching,’’ says ‘‘the test of 
a good sermon is not only that it satisfies certain canons of style, 
but that it achieves certain moral and spiritual ends.’’ The con- 
gregation of the First Presbyterian Church evidently agrees with 
this statement as well as with Dr. Horne’s further remark that, 
‘‘The appearance of a true preacher is the greatest gift that any 
nation can have.’’ Under Matthew F. Smith’s guidance, the 
church is entering its second century with a renewed consecration 
to the teaching of the Master and the ideals of Christian service. 














AUDITORIUM OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, INDIANAPOLIS, 1923 
(Pulpit, Organ and Choir) 


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First PRESBYTERIAN 


CHURCH 183 


CHURCH DIRECTORY 


(July, 1923) 


MINISTER 
Rev. Matthew F. Smith, D. D., 2009 
N. New Jersey St. Harrison 0627. 
Rev. M. L. Haines, D. D., Pastor 


Emeritus, 1408 N. Pennsylvania St. Lin- 
coln 3291. 

Miss Anna Sickels, Church Secretary, 
1644 Talbott St., Kenwood 1705. 

Mr. J. Martin Guest, Director Young 
People’s Work, 2408 N. Delaware St., 
Harrison 2469. 

Mrs. William G. Young, Parish Visi- 
tor, 2936 Central Avenue, Randolph 
8584, 

H. C. Sickels, Church Treasurer. 

The fiscal year of the church begins 
April ist and ends March 3lst. 


Send all remittances to the office. 
Church office open every week day, 9 
to 12 and 1 to 5, Telephone: Main 5414. 


PASTORS ON FOREIGN FIELDS 


Rev. Robert C. Byerly, Sidon, Syria. 
Rev. Jacob L. Hartzell, Prae, Siam. 


MISSIONARY 


Miss Georgia L. McKinney, 


Persia. 


MISSIONARY PARISHES 
(Supported in Part) 


Nanking, China; Manipur, 
Foulassi, W. Africa. 


CHOIR 


Tull E. Brown, Organist. 

Mrs. Everett C. Johnson, Soprano. 
Mrs. Robert W. Blake, Alto. 
Thomas R. Knox, Tenor. 

Glenn O. Friermood, Bass. 


THE SESSION 


Meeting: The first Tuesday of each 
month at 7:30 p. m. at the church. 

Rev. Matthew F. Smith, Moderator. 

Thomas C. Day, Henry M. Dowling, 
Charles P. Emerson, John F. Habbe, 
Louis C. Huesmann, James W. Lilly, 
Robert B. Malloch, Charles W. Mayer, 
James H. McConnell, David Ross, Henry 
C. Sickels, clerk, John F. Wild, William 
N. Wishard, Evans Woollen, William G. 
Young. 


Tabriz, 


India; 


BOARD OF DEACONS 


Meeting: The second Monday of each 
month at 8:00 p. m. at the church. 


Almus G. Ruddell, President; Leroy 
C. Breunig, Francis B. Brickley, Alex- 
ander G. Cavins, Steele F. Gilmore, 


Minor S§. Goulding, 
Richard H. Habbe, 
Wilbur Johnson, 


Davies M. Greene, 
Volney D. Jenks, 
Verd R. Mayer, J. 
Harry McConnell, Mansur B. Oakes, 
Joseph H. Pattison, Alvah J. Rucker, 
Harry H. Weer, Leander lL. Weir, Wil- 
liam C. Williamson. 


THE TRUSTEES 


Meeting: The first Monday of each 
month at noon. 


Herbert S. King, President; A. Smith 


Bowman, John H. Crall, William B. 
Day, Herbert W. Foltz, Daniel W. Lay- 
man, Walter McDougall, Charles N. 
Thompson, Irving Williams. 


THE BIBLE SCHOOL 


Meets at 9:30 a. m. Sunday. 

Superintendent, Rev. Matthew F. 
Smith. 

Assistants to Superintendent, Verd R. 
Mayer, Joel T. Traylor. 

Superintendent Missionary Instruction, 
Mrs. Samuel M. Deal. 

Secretary, Howard Hartman. 

Treasurer, Ralph J. Batchelder. 


DEPARTMENTAL OFFICERS, 
BIBLE SCHOOL 


Cradle Roll, Beginners and Primary. 

General Superintendent, Mrs. John C. 
Perkins. 

Superintendent Cradle Roll, Mrs. Wil- 
mer F. Christian. 

Superintendent Beginners, Mrs. Waldo 
EK. Pierson. 

Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. William 
H. Tinney. 

Secretary, Mrs. William C. Williamson. 

Superintendent Primary, Mrs. John C. 
Perkins. 

Secretary 
Goulding. 


Primary, Mrs. Minor S. 


—Junior— 


Superintendent, Mrs. Jacob P. Dunn, 
Secretary, Miss Lelah M. Wright. 


—Intermediate— 
Superintendent, B. Howard Caughran. 


—Senior— 
Superintendent, Joseph H. Weir. 
ADULT CLASS 
Leader, Thos. C. Day. 


MEN’S BIBLE CLASS 
President, Charles N. Thompson, 
Vice-President, Clifton R. Cameron. 
Secretary, Brower C. Spransy. 
Treasurer, John N. Wolf. 

YOUNG PEOPLE’S CLASS 


Leader, Henry A. O. Speers. 
President, James L. Kalleen. 
Vice-President, Clyde W. Wolfe, 
Secretary, Miss Blanche Lloyd. 
Treasurer, Miss Helen M. Barnes. 
YOUNG WOMANS’ CLASS 


Leader, Mrs. Eugene S. Fisher. 


YOUNG MEN’S CLASS 
Leader, Henry M. Dowling. 


HOME DEPARTMENT 
Superintendent, Mrs. Mary E. Sisson. 
MEN’S CLUB 


President, Alvah J. Rucker. 
Vice-Presidents, Wilbur C. Johnson, 
Almus G. Ruddell, Daniel W. Layman. 


184 


Secretary, Nathan H. Richardson. 
Treasurer, Morse P. Bowen. 


CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY 
Meets every Sabbath at 6:45 p. m. 
President, Clarence Misenheimer. 
Vice-President, Jane Griffith. 
Secretary, Lelah M. Wright. 
Treasurer, Frank Sisson. 


GENERAL MISSIONARY COMMITTEE 


Meeting: Last Thursday of each 
month wate (0008p. )m: sharp, ate the 
church. 


Rev. Matthew F. Smith, D. D., Chair- 
man. 

Mrs. Thomas C. Day, Mrs. Samuel M. 
Deal, Mrs. Anna S. Hanna, Mrs. William 
N. Wishard, James H. McConnell, 
Charles W. Mayer, Charlies N. Thompson. 


WOMAN’S HOME AND FOREIGN MIS- 
SIONARY SOCIETY 


Meets the first Wednesday each month 
except during July and August at 2:30 
Dem. 

President, Mrs. Jacob P. Dunn. 


Vice-President, Mrs. Henry A. O. 
Speers. 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. Mansur B. 
Oakes. 


Secretary of Literature, Miss Gertrude 
Baker. 


Home Treasurer, Mrs. George W. War- 
moth. 


Foreign 
Ruddell. 


Treasurer, Mrs. Almus GQ. 


YOUNG WOMAN’S MISSIONARY 
SOCIETY 

Meets the fourth Wednesday each 
month from October to May inclusive, 
11 to 2 o'clock. 

President, Mrs. Joseph J. Daniels. 
Vice-President, Mrs. B. Howard 
Caughran. 

Secretary, Mrs. R. Carl Galbraith. 
Treasurer, Mrs. Matthew F. Smith. 


CENTENNIAL 


MEMORIAL 


WOMAN’S AUXILIARY 


Meets third Wednesday each month 
from October to May. 


President, Mrs. William R. Zulich. 


Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Nelson S. Lloyd, 
Mrs. Neville Crowder, Mrs. Horace J. 
Gault. 


Secretary, Mrs. Evans Woollen. 
Treasurer, Mrs. Wilbur Johnson. 


WESTMINSTER GUILD 


Meets every alternate Monday at 5:45 
at the church. 


President, Miss Sara Fisher. 

Vice-President, Miss Nora Thomas. 

Recording Secretary, Miss Helen Kerr. 

Corresponding Secretary, Miss Jean 
HKaston, 

Treasurer, Miss Gertrude M. Shields. 

WESTMINSTER CIRCLE 

Meets every alternate Saturday at 
11.330 “a. m. 

President, Eleanor Dunn. 

Vice-President, Catherine Anne Speers. 

Secretary, Emma Elliott Deal. 

Treasurer, Jane Griffith. 


CHILDREN’S CHAUTAUQUA 


Meets every Friday afternoon at 3:45 
at the church. 

Leader, J. M. Guest. 

Captain Primary Department, Edward 


Mayo. 
Captain Junior Department, Robert 
Elliott. 
Captain Intermediate Department, 


Betty Burke. 
Treasurer, Magdalene Adams. 


BOY SCOUTS—TROOP No. 4 


Meets each Friday at T p. m. in 
church basement. 

Scoutmaster, J. M. Guest. 

Assistant Scoutmaster, 
Bugbee. 


Lucian W. 


BOY CUBS 


Cubmaster, J. M. Guest. 
Assistant Cubmaster, Walker Down- 
ing. 


For full list of church members December 31, 1924, see pages 
427-434 


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184 


Secretary, Nathan H. Richardson. 
Treasurer, Morse P. Bowen. 


CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY 


Meets every Sabbath at 6:45 p. m. 
President, Clarence Misenheimer. 
Vice-President, Jane Griffith. 
Secretary, Lelah M. Wright. 
Treasurer, Frank Sisson. 


GENERAL MISSIONARY COMMITTEE 


Meeting: Last Thursday of each 
month at 7:00 p. m. sharp, at the 
church. 


Rev. Matthew F. Smith, D. D., Chair- 
man. 

Mrs. Thomas C. Day, Mrs. Samuel M. 
Deal, Mrs. Anna S. Hanna, Mrs. William 
N. Wishard, James H. McConnell, 
Charles W. Mayer, Charles N. Thompson. 


WOMAN’S HOME AND FOREIGN MIS- 
SIONARY SOCIETY 


Meets the first Wednesday each month 
except during July and August at 2:30 
Dyin: 

President, Mrs. Jacob P. Dunn. 


Vice-President, Mrs. Henry A. O. 
Speers. 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. Mansur B. 
Oakes. 


Secretary of Literature, Miss Gertrude 
Baker. 


Home Treasurer, Mrs. George W. War- 
moth. 


Foreign 
Ruddell. 


Treasurer, Mrs. Almus 4G. 


YOUNG WOMAN’S MISSIONARY 
SOCIETY 

Meets the fourth Wednesday each 
month from October to May inclusive, 
11 to 2 o'clock. 

President, Mrs. Joseph J. Daniels. 
Vice-President, Mrs. 15} Howard 
Caughran. 

Secretary, Mrs. R. Carl Galbraith. 
Treasurer, Mrs. Matthew F. Smith. 


CENTENNIAL 


MEMORIAL 


WOMAN’S AUXILIARY 


Meets third Wednesday each month 
from October to May. 


President, Mrs. William R. Zulich. 


Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Nelson S. Lloyd, 
Mrs. Neville Crowder, Mrs. Horace J. 
Gault. 


Secretary, Mrs. Evans Woollen. 
Treasurer, Mrs. Wilbur Johnson. 


WESTMINSTER GUILD 


Meets every alternate Monday at 5:45 
at the church. 


President, Miss Sara Fisher. 

Vice-President, Miss Nora Thomas. 

Recording Secretary, Miss Helen Kerr. 

Corresponding Secretary, Miss Jean 
Easton. 

Treasurer, Miss Gertrude M. Shields. 


WESTMINSTER CIRCLE 


Meets every alternate Saturday at 
13:0) even. 

President, Eleanor Dunn. 

Vice-President, Catherine Anne Speers, 

Secretary, Emma Elliott Deal. 

Treasurer, Jane Griffith. 

CHILDREN’S CHAUTAUQUA 

Meets every Friday afternoon at 3:45 
at the church. 

Leader, J. M. Guest. 


Captain Primary Department, Edward 
Mayo. 


Captain Junior Department, Robert 
Elliott. 
Captain Intermediate Department, 


Betty Burke. 
Treasurer, Magdalene Adams. 


BOY SCOUTS—TROOP No. 4 


Meets each Friday “at 7 sp) nr in 
church basement. 

Scoutmaster, J. M. Guest. 

Assistant Scoutmaster, 
Bugbee. 


Lucian W. 


BOY CUBS 
Cubmaster, J. M. Guest. 
; Assistant Cubmaster, Walker Down- 
ing. 


For full list of church members December 31, 1924, see pages 
427-434 


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sinter? —s ee 





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CENTENNIAL SUMMER GROUP OF OFFICERS, TEACHERS AND SCHOLARS FROM THE SABBATH SCHOOL TAKEN JULY 3, 1923 








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CHAPTER V 


HISTORICAL SERMON 


Rev. J. Howarp NIxon. 


(Delivered Sunday, April 1, 1866, at the last service at the church 
on the Circle). 


Deut. VIII: 2.—‘‘ And thou shalt remember all the way which 
the Lord Thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness.”’ 


When these words were spoken by the man of God, Israel’s 
long and weary wanderings in the wilderness were about to end. 
They were soon to pass over Jordan to the good land which had 
been promised to their fathers. New scenes, new conflicts, and 
new enjoyments were before them. It would be natural to forget 
the old—to dismiss alike the recollection of past blessings and 
past trials. Against this they are warned. The purpose of God in 
His dealings with them had regard to their discipline and instruc- 
tion as a people. And that purpose demanded for its full accom- 
plishment that the lessons He had taught them should be treas- 
ured in remembrance by themselves and transmitted to their chil- 
dren. Hence, the command ‘‘Thou shalt remember all the way by 
which the Lord thy God led thee in the wilderness.’’ And, as the 
Lord is as truly the ‘‘leader and commander’’ of this people now 
as He was amid the vicissitudes of the wilderness, we feel justified 
in the inference from this command that He would have His 
Church now as then to record and transmit the history and ex- 
periences through which He makes her pass. 

And if this be a duty at all, it seems to be a duty to-day, when 
we gather for the last time in this place, where a generation has 
seen God’s way in the sanctuary, to recall together His kindly 
and gracious dealings with this church during the forty-two years 
of her history. 

Forty-five years ago, the ground that is now covered with the 

185 


186 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


homes of fifty thousand people was a wilderness. In July, 1821, 
the lands in and around the city were first offered for sale. With- 
in one month of that time, the Rev. Ludwell G. Gaines, a Presby- 
terian minister, under appointment as a missionary by the Gen- 
eral Assembly of our Church, preached in a cleared grove, south 
of the State House Square.* In May, 1822, the Rev. David C. 
Proctor, a missionary of the Connecticut Home Missionary Soci- 
ety, spent a week in the neighborhood, and preached several times, 
with such acceptance that measures were immediately taken to 
secure his stated services, which resulted in a subscription of over 
four hundred dollars for three fourths of his time for one year— 
the remaining fourth being devoted to Bloomington. 

Mr. Proctor commenced his labors about the first of Novem- 
ber, and in March of the following year, 1823, a subscription was 
raised of about $1,200 for the erection of a frame house of wor- 
ship.t The prime mover in the matter was Dr. Isaac Coe, who 
eame here in May, 1821. Dr. Coe was born in Morris County, 
New Jersey, of godly Presbyterian parents, whose instructions 
were deeply lodged in his heart, and gave direction for life to his 
unusual energy of character. Harly foreseeing the future im- 
portance of this place as the capital of the state, he devoted him- 
self with great earnestness to everything that promised to pro- 
mote the best interests of the community, and as, in his judgment, 
the establishment of a Presbyterian church was one of the very 
best means to that end, he gave time, and money, and influence 
freely to the work. 

Dr. Coe proposed the plan of the first church building**— 
thought by many, extravagantly large—54 by 34 feet, with a gal- 
lery across the end 20 feet in width, with a swing partition under 
the gallery, making a room 20 by 34 feet for prayer meetings, and 
Bible classes, and which might also be used, as it was, for a day 
school. This plan was accepted, and Dr. Coe, James Blake; and 
Daniel Yandes, were appointed a building committee and pushed 
forward the work with an energy not always equalled by building 
committees since; for the subscriptions being exhausted when the 
house had been enclosed and only the school-room done, Dr. Coe 


*See note page 204. Document opp. page 302. **See note page 204. 























Sct os 





Upper left: first building erected in this city by the Presbyterian 
Church—later the First Presbyterian; occupied 1823 to 1843. This was 
the first church edifice of any denomination built in Indianapolis. It 
stood on the west side of Pennsylvania street just north of Market. 
Upper right: the second church building, occupied 1843 to 1866; located 
on the north side of Market Street near the northeast corner of the 
Circle and Market. Center: third building, occupied 1866 to 1901, 
southwest corner of Pennsylvania and New York Streets. Lower: 
fourth (present) building, southeast corner of Delaware and Sixteenth 
Streets, occupied and dedicated October 4, 1903. 


i Pe ee 
I es et 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 187 


and Mr. Blake finished the church at their own expense, and took 
the cost of it in pews. Neither of them had the money on hand to 
do this, but they made an arrangement with Mr. McCarty to fur- 
nish goods from his store to the workmen they should employ, and 
to await their convenience for the repayment. The church with 
the lot cost about $1,600, and stood on the west side of Pennsyl- 
vania street, just north of Market. Before it was ready for use, 
service was held through the summer in the cabinet shop of Mr. 
Caleb Scudder, on Washington street, and in the winter time in 
the dwelling of Judge Mellvain, a log house standing near the 
site of the residence of W. H. Talbott, Esq., corner of Ohio and 
Meridian streets. t 

The organization of the church was effected Saturday, July 
0, 1823 at 9 A. M., by the Rev. Isaac Reed, a missionary of the 
General Assembly, and the Rev. Mr. Proctor, in a building belong- 
ing to Caleb Seudder, in which public worship had usually been 
held. The original membership comprised fifteen persons, all of 
whom were heads of families, eight presenting certificates of mem- 
bership, and seven for the first time professing faith in Christ, 
three of whom received the ordinance of baptism after a sermon 
by the Rev. William Martin, who arrived during the time of or- 
ganization. Dr. Isaac Coe and Caleb Scudder were chosen ruling 
elders. Of these first members, only Mrs. Seudder, so far as I 
know, now survives; Mr. Scudder, so long esteemed in this com- 
munity for his earnest piety and blameless life, having been called 
from among us within the past month. Of eleven surnames on 
the first roll of the church, but one, that of Walpole, is now found 
in our list, though the children and grandchildren of some of the 
original members are numbered with our present membership by 
other names. 

The Lord’s Supper was dispensed for the first time the day 
after the church was organized, in the yet unfinished building, 
and the church the next day, by vote, requested to be taken under 
the care of the Presbytery of Louisville, that being at the time the 
most convenient Presbyterial organization. 

In the same month a weekly prayer meeting was established — 





+See note page 204. 


188 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


and conducted by the elders, who in November following intro- 
duced in connection with it alternate recitations in the Scriptures 
and catechism. These exercises, which were really the germ of 
the various Sunday School efforts for which this city has in past 
years enjoyed a high reputation, were sustained chiefly by Dr. 
Coe until the church secured the undivided energies of a pastor. 

In September, 18238, the session drew up and the church 
adopted a plan for gathering a library* of religious reading, this 
being, perhaps, the first effort in that direction made in this city, 
or in the state. 

After Mr. Proctor’s year expired, the church depended upon 
occasional supplies until July, 1824, at which time, in response to 
an invitation from the Committee on Supplies (which consisted of 
Dr. Coe, Colonel Blake, and B. F. Morris) the Reverend George 
Bush,** then a licentiate, visited the church, and September 6, 
1824, at a congregational meeting, of which James M. Ray was 
secretary, he was unanimously called to become its first pastor. 
Mr. Bush accepted the call, and was ordained the following March 
in the Court House, by the Presbytery of Salem, to whose care the 
church had been transferred. 

This pastoral relation continued but a little over three years. 
Mr. Bush was an eloquent preacher, and was much beloved for his 
personal qualities, but the church voted with great unanimity to 
apply for a dissolution on account of his course in expressing pub- 
licly as well as privately, his disbelief in the scriptural author- 
ity of the Presbyterian form of church government. But for his 
persistency in opposing Presbyterianism, notwithstanding the re- 
monstranees of the session, the relation would doubtless have been 
continued much longer, as he himself was anxious to remain, but 
his subsequent aberrations from the simplicity that is in Christ 
to the vagaries of Swedenborg, appear to justify the wisdom of 
the session in their opposition to his continuing the pastor of what 
was always designed to be a consistent Presbyterian Church. For 
some months after the dissolution, Mr. Bush preached to large con- 
gregations in the Court House, while the old church, depending 
upon occasional supplies, was comparatively forsaken until the 
following October, when the Rev. John R. Moreland, of Kentucky, 


*See page 407. **See page 288. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 189 


was called to the pastoral office, rallying the scattered members of 
the congregation and greatly impressing the community by his 
ministrations. Early in the following spring Mr. Bush retired 
from the field. 

Mr. Moreland’s pulpit style was distinguished by warmth and 
energy, and as a preacher he was magnetic and successful. His 
labors were greatly blessed, there being added to the membership 
of the church during the first eighteen months of his ministry 44 
by examination and 26 by certificate—more than doubling its 
numerical strength. Mr. Moreland resigned his charge after less 
than three years of labor, a little before his death, which occurred 
October 13, 1832. During his stay, James Blake and James M. 
Ray, who had united with this church on profession of their faith 
in 1828, were elected elders October 17, 1830. Of their labors 
and usefulness there is no need to speak to you, as through God’s 
goodness they are still with us, and still ready for every good 
word and work. The following February, the Rev. Wm. A. 
Holliday was engaged as stated supply for one year, and at the 
expiration of that time the engagement was renewed. The records 
are imperfect during this period, but it seems to have been 
a time of quiet and steady growth—several young men, who 
have since been prominent in the religious interests of the 
city, connecting themselves with the church during his time of 
service. Mr. Holliday and his family have been for many years 
that have elapsed since the termination of his official relations to 
the church, worshipers within our gates; and as it is not an un- 
usual remark that the old minister is the worst member of the par- 
ish, I desire at this time most gratefully to acknowledge my deep 
sense of the value of his counsels and sympathies and prayers dur- 
ing the time I have been among you. 

In September, 1834, the Rev. James W. McKennan, of West- 
ern Pennsylvania, was called to the pastoral care of the church, 
and accepting, removed to this place and was installed the follow- 
ing June. 

Mr. McKennan was born in Washington, Pa., in 1804, and 
graduating in the college at that place, commenced the study of 
law with his brother, the Hon. T. M. T. MeKennan, who was at 

one time Secretary of the United States Treasury. Being, how- 


190 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ever converted under the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Jennings, he 
resolved to devote himself to the work of the ministry, and was 
ordained in 1829. When the Rev. Dr. Wylie, who had been one of 
his teachers, heard that he had been called to this church, he re- 
marked that they had secured a Nathaniel—‘‘an Israelite without 
guile.’’ The same character is given him by Rev. Dr. Brownson 
of Washington, in an obituary notice, published soon after his 
death, which took place in 1861. He was by common testimony, 
a man of deep and unaffected piety, of an eminently Christian 
spirit, of good attainment, and a useful if not a brillant preach- 
er. During the five years of his ministry one hundred and forty 
members were added to the church, among whom were two of the 
present session, Messrs. Sheets and Sharpe, and yet when Mr. 
McKennan resigned in 1839, the church numbered only about one 
hundred and thirty members, as in addition to the usual losses by 
death and removal from the place, several persons withdrew in 
1837 for the purpose of forming the Episcopal Church, with 
which some of them had always sympathized, and in December, 
1838, quite a number of persons were dismissed at their own re- 
quest, to organize the Second Presbyterian Church, of which the 
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher became the first pastor. This last step 
grew out of the division of the church in 1837, into what are 
usually described as the old and new school branches. Mr. McKen- 
nan and the session, with a large majority of the church prefer- 
ing to remain with the Old School Assembly, fifteen members 
united in a request for letters of dismission. The session ex- 
pressed their regret at parting with these brethren, and ‘‘the hope 
that such connection as they may form may be happy, pious and 
active, that those who leave and those who remain may ever feel 
toward each other, not only as we should toward all other evan- 
gelical brethren, but the nearer in having sprung from a common 
stock, and that we and our successors may respectively, labor to- 
gether harmoniously where we can cordially co-operate, and kind- 
ly separate, where separate action may seem most agreeable and 
useful.’’ A joint committee, consisting of Dr. Coe and Mr. Ray 
on the one side, Mr. Yandes and Mr. Merrill on the other, was 
appointed to arrange an equitable division of the church property, 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 191 


and the arrangement made by them was subsequently carried into 
effect. These proceedings, as recorded, form a pleasing contrast 
to many other divisions growing out of the disruption of the 
church, and the good feeling then manifested has, so far as I am 
aware, been maintained ever since between these two churches, 
and as in the future even as in the past, they seem destined to stand 
in full sight one of the other, and in close proximity, may the day 
never come in which they shall not realize and act upon the belief 
that they are near in having sprung from a common stock. 

During the pastorate of Mr. McKennan, the session of the 
church was deprived by death of two of its most useful and 
valued members. These were Ebenezer Sharpe and John G. Brown. 
Mr. Sharpe removed to this place in 1826, from Paris, Kentucky, 
where he had taught a classical school, having previously filled a 
professorship in Transylvania University and subsequently taught 
a classical school near Lexington.t Soon after his arrival he opened 
a school in the school-room of the church previously mentioned, 
in which he was assisted by his son. In November, immediately 
after his arrival, he was chosen an elder, but modestly declined 
acting until they should have an opportunity of becoming better 
acquainted with him. In January following he was induced to 
accept the position, and held it until his death in 1835, thirty-one 
years ago. The older members of the church still speak of him 
as a model elder, of deep personal piety, thoroughly devoted to 
the interests of the church, visiting the sick and afflicted, fond of 
prayer meetings, which he often conducted in the neighborhoods 
about the town; a most interested hearer of divine truth, very ten- 
der in his feelings, and very often affected even to tears under the 
preaching of the Word. 

Mr. John G. Brown came to Indianapolis from Paris, Ken- 
tucky, early in the year 1826, and was elected to the eldership 
February 8, 1826. He was born in June 1785, in Charleston, 
South Carolina, of Presbyterian parents. Some who knew him in- 
timately are still among us to testify to the excellence of his char- 
acter. They speak of him as a modest, wise, hospitable and liberal 
minded man. He carried his interest in the church with him to 
the close of his life, as appears from an incident once mentioned 


tSee note page 204. 


192 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


to me by Mr. Ray, whom he had sent for in his last sickness to draw 
his will. Mr. Brown desired him to put in a bequest of $100—a 
much larger sum than now—to Mr. MecKennan for the purpose, 
as he wished it written, of stopping the chinks in Mr. McK’s log 
house. He died in May, 1838, and the session at his death declared 
that the church had lost in him one of her wisest counsellors and 
brightest ornaments. 

Mr. McKennan resigned his charge in the spring of 1839, but 
continued to supply the pulpit until the following October, when 
he removed to Ohio, and thence to Western Pennsylvania, where 
he labored as preacher or teacher until his death, which occurred 
dilygl Oe. 8b ie 

Mr. Samuel Fulton, a licentiate, supplied the church for three 
months from January 1, 1840, and received a call to become the 
pastor on the 22d of March, but being apprehensive that the cli- 
mate would prove unfavorable to his health, he declined the eall. 

In October, 1840, Mr. Phineas D. Gurley,* a licentiate of North 
River Presbytery, New York, accepted an invitation to supply the 
pulpit for six months, and in December following was ealled to the 
pastoral office, and accepting, was installed December 15, 1840, 
commencing at that time a pastorate of nine years, the longest thus 
far in the history of the church. 

Before the withdrawal of the members to form the Second 
Church, the church building became inconveniently crowded, and 
but for the probable division of the church, efforts would have 
been made to build a larger house. Soon after the settlement of 
Mr. Gurley, it became apparent that such a step would be neces- 
sary, in view of his popularity, and the steady growth of the town. 
At a meeting held June 21, 1842, it was unanimously resolved that 
it was expedient to build a new house of worship, and a plan ex- 
hibited by Mr. John Elder was adopted, subject to such alterations 
as the building committee, consisting of Messrs. Coe, Sheets, Blake, 
Blythe and Elder, might deem advisable. A financial committee, 
consisting of Governor Bigger, at that time an elder in the church, 
and Messrs. Ray, Scudder, Espy, and Sharpe, was appointed to 
raise the means to carry out their designs. It was also determined 


*Sketch of Dr. Gurley, page 297. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 193 


to change the location of the church, and the property on Pennsyl- 
vania street was exchanged for the present site. 

The corner stone of this building was laid October 7, 1842, 
prayer being offered by Mr. Gurley and an address delivered by 
Rey. Dr. E. D. McMaster, then President of Hanover College. If 
copies of the records placed in the corner stone were at hand, 
many of them would have an interest for us to-day. Among them 
was a history of the church and the Missionary Sewing Circle, a 
list of the members of the church and of the other churches and 
pastors in the city at that time, a roll of the Sunday School and 
the eight other Sunday Schools which had sprung from the orig- 
inal union, the census of Indianapolis in 1841 and periodicals and 
newspapers. The house was so far advanced as to be occupied in 
May, 1848, though not fully completed until 1846, the final report 
of the building committee being presented February, 1847. From 
this report, which has been preserved, it appears that the total cost 
of the building was $8,322, of which Dr. Coe, J. M. Ray, James 
Blake, and Benjamin Blythe each subscribed $600, T. H. Sharpe, 
$400; Wm. Sheets, $300; Caleb Scudder, N. West, Mrs. Mary 
Brown, D. Maguire, each $200; being nearly one-half of the whole 
amount. Among the subscribers of $100 we find the following 
names still remaining on the rolls of the church after more than 
twenty years: John Sloan, Samuel Wainwright, Vance Noel, Moses 
Foley, R. L. Walpole, and the same amount is set opposite the 
names of George Espy, James Wood and Craighead & Brandon, 
whose families are still represented in our membership, so that. by 
far the larger part of the funds needful for its erection was: con- 
tributed by those who, for themselves and their families, have been 
enjoying the privileges of this spiritual home from its dedication 
to this time. The dedication of the church took place on May 5, 
1843. | 
I have been shown within a few days a printed sheet containing 
the Psalms sung at the dedication service. They were the 100th 
Psalm—‘‘Before Jehovah’s Awful Throne’’—sung to the tune 
Denmark; the 27th Psalm, ‘*The Lord of Glory is My Light, and 
My Salvation Too,’’ sung to Ortonville; the 132d Psalm, ‘‘ Where 
Shall We Go to Seek and Find an Habitation for Our God?’’ the 


194 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


tune Old Hundred; and the dedication hymn, the 501st of our 
present Hymn Book, beginning: 


‘““In sweet exalted strains 
The King of Glory praise,’’ 


sung to the tune of Haddam. The dedication sermon was preached 
by Dr. Gurley, from Psalms CXXXV, 4, ‘‘For the Lord hath 
chosen Jacob for Himself and Israel for His peculiar treasure,’’ 
from which words he considered God’s merciful dealings with His 
Church in the past, what He is doing for her now, and what He has 
promised to do in the future. The concluding portion of this dis- 
course has been preserved among the records of the church, and I 
desire to read it today as containing lessons appropriate to our 
present condition as a church. 

‘‘Dear Brethren: You may be ready to ask why I have chosen 
this subject for the present occasion. It is because I wish you to 
feel that what you are doing for Zion, and what you may here- 
after do, will not be labor lost. You embarked in no uncertain 
cause, you entered upon no airy speculation, when you determined 
to share her trials and her destiny. The money you cast in her 
treasury and spend in the erection of her temples is capital well 
invested. It will be productive when you are dead. It will never 
disappoint your hopes. Under the smiles of a kind Providence 
you have built this house in token of your love to Zion, and your 
desire to advance her prosperity. You have built it in times of 
great pecuniary embarrassment, when the foundations of wealth 
were crumbling and the hearts of the most affluent among us were 
trembling with apprehension. It has cost you an effort, and per- 
haps some sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice easily made. You will 
never regret it. It will plant no thorns in your dying pillow, it 
will take no stars from the crown of your rejoicing in the heavens. 
You have done what you could, and O, my brethren, the most 
cheering thought of all is, you have done it for Zion, for the apple 
of the Saviour’s eye—the purchase of His blood—His chosen in- 
heritance—His peculiar treasure. You have done it, I trust, with 
the language on your lips and the sentiment in your heart: ‘If I 
forget thee, O! Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning; 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 195 


if I do not remember Thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my 
mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.’ Let the 
interests of Zion still be near your hearts. Be still ready to make 
any sacrifice for her good; but be not apprehensive for her safety, 
for Jehovah is a fire, a wall round about her, and a glory in her 
midst. Under His protection she has been secure in all past ages, 
and His promise still is that no weapon formed against her shall 
‘prosper. Labor cheerfully, then, for her glory till you die. Here 
in these sacred courts gird yourselves with strength to fight her 
battles. Here from time to time renew your vows of allegiance to 
her cause. Here let your prayers ascend for her peace. Here con- 
secrate your children to His service. Here celebrate the praises 
of her King. Here weep over her desolations. Here rejoice in her 
triumphs, and when you are gathered to your fathers, may others 
even more devoted to Zion than you have been, occupy these seats 
and perform these services in your stead; and when the voice of 
him who now addresses you shall be heard no more within these 
walls, may other ambassadors more faithful than he, stand in this 
place to speak of Zion’s history, Zion’s prospects, and Zion’s en- 
during interest in the loving kindness of her King.’’ 

Dr. Gurley’s pastorate continued more than six years after the 
dedication. During all this time the church continued to grow, 
until he left it in 1849 to accept a call to Dayton, Ohio, from 
which place, after a short pastorate, he removed to Washington 
City, where he still remains. His whole influence upon this com- 
munity was salutary, and he is still warmly remembered by a large 
number of the present congregation, many of whom were by him 
received into the church and others baptized by him in their in- 
fancy. 

The Rev. Charles 8. Mills, at that time having charge of a fe- 
male seminary in this city, served the church acceptably as a 
stated supply for a year after Dr. Gurley’s departure. 

February 27, 1850, the eldership was increased by the election 
of Thomas H. Sharpe, Horatio C. Newcomb and Charles Axtell, 
the last having previously held the same office in the church at 
Greensburg. Mr. Axtell soon after determined to give himself to 
the work of the ministry, and, having studied privately with Dr. 


196 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


McClung, entered upon that work first in charge of a mission 
church in Cincinnati, and subsequently at Galena, Illinois, 
and Knightstown, Indiana. He is now pastor of the Presbyterian 
ehurch at Dubuque, Iowa. | 
The growth of the city and of the church seeming to have pre- 
pared the way for a new enterprise, on the 23d day of September, 
1851, while the church was still vacant, a request was presented by 
twenty-two members, headed by three elders, Messrs. Scudder, 
Blake and Newcomb, for certificates of dismission with a view to 
organizing the Third Presbyterian Church, a committee having 
been appointed by the Muncie Presbytery for that purpose, con- 
sisting of the Rev. Mr. Fay and elders Coe and Ray. This 
request was granted with great cordiality, and the church was or- 
ganized according to appointment, about twenty more members 
being dismissed soon after to assist the new organization. Its sub- 
sequent career of prosperity and usefulness, culminating in the 
blessed work of grace, which during the past few weeks has added 
so many to its membership, is well known to us all, and the posi- 
tion of the Third Church today, second perhaps to no church in 
this city in usefulness and efficiency, attests the wisdom of those 
who moved for its organization. Nor did the parent stock suffer 
by the removal of the branch. Within a few weeks after the 
division, the Rev. John A. McClung, of Kentucky, received a call 
to the pastorate, which he accepted, and was installed December 
31, 1851. The places left vacant by the colony were soon filled, in 
view of the interest felt in his unusually able ministrations, and 
the church was perhaps stronger than it had ever before been, 
when after nearly four years of labor, Dr. McClung, on account 
of protracted ill health, was compelled to resign his pastoral 
charge. He was subsequently pastor of the church at Maysville, 
Kentucky (where he was born and reared), in which relation he 
continued until his mournful death by drowning, at the Falls of 
Niagara, on the 6th or 7th day of August, 1859. Few men have 
enjoyed a higher reputation in the Presbyterian Church dur- 
ing so brief a ministerial career, as was evidenced by the fact that 
he was called to some of the most important positions in the whole 
Church, though on account of his ill health he was compelled to 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 197 


decline these invitations. During his pastorate about the begin- 
ning of the year 1854, William Sheets and Thomas MacIntire, were 
elected ruling elders in this church, in which capacity they serve 
us to this day with fidelity and zeal, and together with Messrs. J. 
M. Ray, T. H. Sharpe, and Benjamin Harrison, the last elected 
in February 1861, constitute the present session of the church. 

In 1853, Dr. Isaac Coe’s active relationship to the church was 
terminated by his removal to Galena, Illinois, to reside with his 
son, at that time the pastor of the South Church in that city. Dr. 
Coe had exerted a decided influence in the church for over thirty 
years. During that time, with the exception of a brief period 
beginning with the close of Mr. Moreland’s ministry, in which he 
retired from the active duties of the eldership, he had been prompt, 
active and efficient as an overseer of this flock of Christ. He 
was the first to move for its organization, and the first to con- 
tribute to its house of worship; the first to organize a prayer meet- 
ing and Sunday School operations, and the first to move in efforts 
to bring the church into sympathy with the great benevolent and 
missionary operations of the age, a matter in which he himself was 
deeply interested to the day of his death. In all these things he 
was earnestly and ably seconded by his brothers in the eldership, 
Messrs. Scudder, Ebenezer Sharpe, Brown, Blake and Ray, but 
from the time that Mr. Scudder retired at the formation of the 
Third Church, Dr. Coe remained alone in the remembrance of all 
the way by which the Lord had led this church from the day of 
its organization. If there is any value in the reputation which the 
church has achieved for steadfast adherence to the principles of 
the Presbyterian faith and government, and for an enlarged and 
intelligent attachment to the enterprises of our General Assembly, 
it is indebted, as I suppose, for that reputation, more to Dr. Coe 
than to any other man. When he died in 1855, at seventy-three 
years, he made considerable bequests to those various benevolent 
causes in which he had always felt so deep an interest, and as he 
contributed while living to the erection of the first and second 
houses of worship occupied by this congregation, being dead he 
yet speaketh his permanent interest in the prosperity of our 
church, by the fact that from a fund of $30,000 left by him to be 


198 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


distributed in charity by trustees, $1,500 have been contributed to 
the erection of our new building, and $500 were paid last fall 
toward the erection of the Mission Chapel in the southeast part of 
the city, in which his grandson, the Rev. W. W. Sickels, is now 
ministering. Dr. Coe gave to the ministry of the Presbyterian 
Church his only son, Rev. Henry Isaac Coe, two of his grandsons, 
the Revs. William W. and Edward C. Sickels, (the latter of Dixon, 
Illinois), and a nephew, the Rev. Charles Axtell—all now engaged 
in ministerial labors. A large number of his descendants—all of 
them, so far as I know, who have reached mature years—have been 
at some time in full communion with this church. 

It is probable, as we can judge from authentic records, that the 
whole moral and religious history of Indianapolis would have been 
far different from what it has been, had not Dr. Isaac Coe, its 
first physician, been an intelligent, earnest and large-hearted 
Christian man. He lived to see the little flock of fifteen members 
become three bands, each maintaining gospel ordinances, and each 
attended by larger congregations than the mother church ever wit- 
nessed during many of the first years of her existence; and hav- 
ing finished his work, he rested from his labors in the full enjoy- 
ment of the Christian hope, which had cheered him for so many 
years. 

Dr. McClung’s successor in the pastorate was Rev. Thomas M. 
Cunningham, of St. Louis, who was called December 12, 1856, 
and remained a little over three years. He was eminently popular 
as a preacher of the gospel, and the church filled up so rapidly as 
to lead to the consideration of an enlargement of this building, 
which, when projected, was designed to be the largest as well as 
the handsomest church edifice in the state. The matter being post- 
poned, however, owing to the lateness of the season, was finally 
dropped on account of Mr. Cunningham’s removal to Chicago, in 
the spring of 1860. He has been now for some years the useful 
pastor of the Alexander Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, and 
we understand that it is in contemplation to erect for that congre- 
gation a large and substantial edifice during the coming season. 
During his stay in 1859, the Fifth Presbyterian Church, German, 
was organized by a committee of the Presbytery to which we be- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHUBCH 199 


long, a lot for the church having been secured on New Jersey 
street, south of Washington, by means of a bequest for charitable 
purposes, made by Mr. Benjamin Blythe, formerly a deacon in the 
church, and considerable help having been given to the new enter- 
prise by members of this church—many of whom have been en- 
gaged at various times in conducting and teaching the Sunday 
School of the church in the English language, the preaching be- 
ing ordinarily in German. 

This church was without a pastor from May, 1860, to the fol- 
lowing December, at which time a call was extended to the pres- 
ent pastor,* who commenced his labors here the second Sabbath in 
January, though the call was not actually accepted until April 
following, as he was uncertain whether the state of his health 
would justify him in undertaking a pastoral charge. After three 
months’ experience of his labors, the church continuing of the 
same mind, and willing to accept such service as he was able to be- 
stow, the call was accepted, and he was installed the first Wednes- 
day in April, 1861, (the day after the attack upon Fort Sumter, ) 
and has now held the pastoral office among you longer than any 
other pastor except Dr. Gurley. Four years ago, at the annual let- 
ting of the pews, every eligible seat in the church being taken, it 
became apparent that there would be need of enlarged accommo- 
dations, and the matter of building a new church began to be agi- 
tated from that time, but the unsettled state of affairs growing 
out of the war, prevented any action until March 16, 1863, at which 
time a congregational meeting was called with a view to consid- 
ering the expediency of selecting a site for the new building. At 
a meeting held a week later it was resolved to build upon the 
present site and, in order to secure the needed room, to purchase 
the lots adjoining the estate of Dr. Coe. In July, 1863, a building 
committee consisting of Thomas H. Sharpe, A. L. Roache, John M. 
Lord, Wiliam Sheets, Robert Browning, J. McLene, J. W. Brown, 
James Greene, J. M. Ray and Thomas MacIntire, was appointed 
and soon after a subscription of about $30,000 was obtained, 
though the building was not commenced on account of the rapidly 


*Rev. J. Howard Nixon, D.D. 


200 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


increasing cost of building materials and labor. In the meantime, 
the growth of the city toward the north and the encroachments of 
business upon the neighborhood now occupied by the church, 
raised a question as to the wisdom of building upon the old site, 
and after full discussion it was with almost entire unanimity re- 
solved to purchase the lots at the corner of New York and Penn- 
sylvania Streets, two squares to the north of the present location, 
as being more central to the present members of the church, and 
also to the larger part of the Protestant population of the city. 
This resolve was carried out at an expense of about $14,000, and 
the foundations of the new church were laid in 1864, and during 
last fall and winter the lecture room and Sunday School room have 
been going steadily onward to completion, and will in a little time 
be ready for our use with accommodations increased above those 
we now enjoy. 

The old building was sold to the Indianapolis Journal Com- 
pany last fall for $18,000, with the privilege of occupying it until 
this day, and of removing from it all our church furniture, includ- 
ing the pews, which will be transferred to the chapel of the new 
church. While this work has been in progress, the rapid growth 
of the city making manifest the necessity of Home Missionary oper- 
ations, last fall over $2,800 were raised by subscription for the 
purpose of erecting a neat frame church* in the southeastern part 
of the city, and two lots having been donated for this purpose by 
Calvin Fletcher, Esq., and others, and $500 additional being fur- 
nished from the estate of Dr. Coe, we had the pleasure of dedicat- 
ing the house, completely furnished, and free of debt, to the wor- 
ship of Almighty God, on December 24, 1865, and of introducing 
Rev. Wm. W. Sickels to his labors in that neighborhood. In 
these labors he is at present sustained in great part by this con- 
gregation, and we cherish the hope that the day may not be distant 
when this will prove another vigorous branch from the parent 
stock, a Sunday School nearly as large as the parent school having 
already been gathered within its walls. 

In this rapid review, we have brought the external history of 


*Seventh Presbyterian. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 201 


the church down from its organization to this day that witnesses 
our exodus from these walls. The way by which the Lord our God 
has led us these forty years in the wilderness has been a way of 
blessing and prosperity very far beyond the hopes of the fathers, 
and when we pass in review its spiritual history, we find the same 
abounding evidence of the goodness of the Lord. We have men- 
tioned the fact that the original membership consisted of fifteen 
persons, seven of whom made a profession of faith at the first 
sacramental service of the church. We may remind you, in ¢on- 
nection with this fact, of the delightful services of the last Sab- 
bath when thirty persons were announced as added to the com- 
munion—just double the original number—twenty-five of whom 
for the first time acknowledged the Lord Jesus as their Lord and 
God. There have been connected with the church since its organ- 
ization 1,030 persons—-being an average addition for the forty- 
two years of her history of twenty-four persons, or six at each 
quarterly communion season. It is a curious fact, and significant 
of the steady rate of growth of the church during all this period, 
that the additions before Mr. McKennan’s time, were somewhat 
less than that average, while during his pastorate from 1835 to 
1839 the average annual addition for five years was just twenty- 
four. During Dr. Gurley’s time the average was twenty-seven, 
being just three more. During Dr. McClung’s pastorate the aver- 
age was thirty, or three more. During Mr. Cunningham’s, thirty- 
three—still just three more—and during the present pastorate of 
five years there have been received ninety-two on examination, and 
ninety-one on certificate—being an annual average of over thirty- 
six members. It is, however, believed that the rapid growth of the 
city during the last five years would have secured a much larger 
increase if it had not been impossible to supply seats to those who 
desired to rent them. 

This result has been secured in part by the frequently recur- 
ring revivals of religion which have been enjoyed by this church 
all along her history. There has been more or less of revival in- 
fluence under the labors of all those who have had pastoral charge 
here, and constant additions have been made to the membership 
of the church from the ranks of the Sabbath school, and few 


202 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


churches with which I am acquainted have had the privilege of 
welcoming more of their children to the table of the Lord. Of the 
families of the eldership, nearly all, I believe, of those who, in the 
language of our form of government, have come to years of discre- 
tion, have been received to full communion, and the same remark 
applies so largely to the children of the membership, as to give us 
reason as a church to bear our grateful testimony to the Grace of 
the God of the ever-lasting covenant. In this respect may the fu- 
ture even excel the past, and children’s children rising up in our 
vacant places, carry forward our unfinished work when we rest 
from our labors. 

In this connection we may refer to the fact that within the 
last twenty years seven persons who had made profession of their 
faith in Christ for the first time in our communion, have entered 
upon the work of the ministry. These are the Rev. Jacob L. Kemp- 
er, of Dayton, Ohio; the Rev. Henry Isaac Coe, of St. Louis; Rev. 
J. Cooley Fletcher, formerly missionary to Brazil, and at this very 
hour preaching to a Presbyterian church within a few miles of 
this city; the Rev. William W. Sickels, now preaching in our Mis- 
sion Chapel; Rev. E. C. Sickels, of Dixon, Illinois, and Rev. Wm. 
A. Holliday, a licentiate whom many of you heard with so much 
interest for two months last summer, and who is now supplying a 
Presbyterian church in Rochester, New York. We are now with- 
out a candidate for the ministry upon our church rolls, and in 
view of the fact does it not become us to pray to the Lord of the 
harvest to call for our young men to engage in this good work? 
And does it not become our young men to consider if the Lord may 
not have committed to some of them the work of the ministry of 
reconciliation? And, although, since this church was organized, 
the Presbyterian Church in this state has grown from two small 
Presbyteries, with perhaps eight or ten ministers to ten Presby- 
teries, with one hundred and thirty-six ministers, still there re- 
mains much land to be possessed. But it is necessary to draw these 
memoirs to a close. 

Some of you, my dear brethren, are reminded by these services 
that your work will ere long be done. The fathers are gone. Of 
those who participated in the early labors of this church, Mr. Ray 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 203 


remains alone with us, and Mr. Blake alone in our sister church. 
Others of you have been here so long that you begin to feel the time 
is short for you to labor and to pray for Zion. What then your 
hands find to do, do it with your might. Is there any work in 
which you are engaged so well worthy of your efforts, your means, 
and your prayers, as the work of establishing this church in her 
new home, from which she may begin a new career of usefulness to 
this community, of honor to herself, and of glory to the Lord 
Christ? What part of their earthly labors do you think are now 
the most grateful to the recollections of the departed fathers, 
Sharpe and Brown and Coe and Scudder as they look back from 
the mansions to which we trust they have ascended, upon their 
earthly career? Is there one of them who now regrets the toils 
and sacrifices, and gifts he bestowed upon this church? They 
labored not for themselves alone, but for posterity, and their chil- 
dren have arisen to call them blest. Will you, then, do nothing to 
perpetuate their influence and to carry on their work? Shall we 
not rather, looking back upon the way of blessing and privilege 
and ever-increasing opportunities of usefulness, and learning from 
the past how abundantly God honors the efforts of His people to 
establish and extend His kingdom, pledge ourselves anew this day 
to the service of the Lord and to the work of His Church, resolving 
henceforth to prefer Jerusalem above our chief joy, resolving to 
hold ourselves in constant readiness with prayers, with alms, for 
every thing to which the Lord our God, may eall us. And if the 
few men who laid the foundations of Presbyterianism in this city 
in their poverty were able to accomplish, by God’s blessing, such 
beneficent results that now, after a little over forty years, instead 
of the one feeble vine, we have six churches of the Presbyterian 
faith besides one mission enterprise, then what may not be accom- 
plished in the future by the 270 members of this church if only 
we be thoroughly united in the purpose and effort to do all in our 
power for the glory of our Redeemer and the establishment of His 
Church? To such a purpose God has seemed to me to be calling us 
by the recent visitation of His grace, adding to our numbers, and I 
trust deepening our devotion to Him. May I not say, what seems 
indeed to be the opinion of some of the oldest members of the 


204 _ CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


church, that never in her history has she enjoyed so precious a sac- 
ramental service as on the last Sabbath, and now that in fullness of 
strength we change our home, let us remember that we do not 
change our Master or our work, and let us hope to serve the One 
more faithfully and do the other more earnestly than ever before. 
May this hope be fulfilled, and may future historians of this 
church say of us what we say of the fathers, ‘‘They served their 
generation by the will of God, with zeal, with intelligence and with 
fidelity and then fell asleep. They rest from their labors and 
their works do follow them.”’ 


*About the same time the first Methodist preacher commenced his 
labors. Mr. Calvin Fletcher heard him say that when he was appointed 
itinerant in this neighborhood at a conference held in St. Louis, he 
scarcely knew of the existence of the place and had to inquire how he 
was to find it. 

**Thigs was the first church edifice of any denomination in Indianap- 
olis. By the year 1841, when the corner stone of the second building of 
the First Presbyterian Church was laid, there were five churches on the 
Governor’s Circle, which became the religious center of the town and re- 
mained so for several decades. Dr. Coe, having been a leader in the 
movement for the erection of the first church building, later rejoiced in 
the fact that in the course of only a few years—less than twenty— stand- 
ing in the door of his house [on the site of the Columbia Club], he was 
within sound of the voices of five different preachers—one of them 
Henry Ward Beecher—occupants of pulpits as follows: First Presby- 
terian, Second Presbyterian, Wesley Chapel (Methodist), Christ Church 
(Episcopalian)—all directly on the Circle—and English Lutheran, south- 
east corner of Meridian and Ohio Streets, next door north of Christ 
Church. 

+Mr. Mcllvain was not a member of the Presbyterian church, but 
having the largest house in the town he freely invited Presbyterians and 
other ministers to preach in his house. It is mentioned further in illus- 
tration of the good feeling which at that time prevailed in the infant 
community, that Mr. Calvin Fletcher was never a member of the Presby- 
terian church, but was the first subscriber to Dr. Coe’s plans. Colonel 
Blake and Mr. Ray were not at that time members of the church, but 
both were subscribers to the building. Dr. Coe went to Mr. Blake and 
told him he wanted him to subscribe $40. Mr. Blake told him he could 
not possibly raise so much money. The Doctor told him he wanted him 
to subscribe any way, and he would give him his time to pay it in, be- 
cause, said he, with that subscription from you, as an example, I can 
get subscriptions from many persons who otherwise wouldn’t feel 
under any obligation to give. Mr. Blake immediately subscribed the 
amount, and the Doctor waited his convenience for the payment. 


tThe family came here in the old style wagoning—the older children 
walking a great part of the way. It is an illustration of Mr. Sharpe’s 
earnestness in religious things, that stopping to rest on Sunday—as they 
did on all the journey—near Columbus, in this state, the boys were sent 
out to collect as many persons as could be gathered, for a religious ser- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 205 


CHAPTER VI 
EARLY SABBATH SCHOOL HISTORY 
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL 


While the First Presbyterian Church makes no exclusive 
claim to the original Indianapolis Sunday School, the relations of 
the two are such that their histories are inseparable. The original 
school was a union school* of all the evangelical denominations, 
which was at first housed in Caleb Scudder’s cabinet shop; but 
after the erection of the Presbyterian Church, it was transferred 
to that building, and remained there. Beginning with the Metho- 
dists, in 1828, various denominations organized independent Sun- 
day Schools, taking away portions of the original school, until 
what was finally left was practically the special Sunday School of 
this church; although there has never been any formal action to 
take away its original character of a union school. 

When the congregation was preparing to leave its second 
church building, in addition to the historical sermon of Dr. Nixon, 
on the morning of April 1, 1866, memorial services were held in 
the afternoon with special reference to the Sunday School; in- 
cluded in which was a history of the Sunday School by James M. 
Ray, who was its first superintendent. Fortunately a copy of this 
was preserved in the church minutes; and on account of its general 
and unusual interest, it is here reproduced in full: 


vice, which Mr. Sharpe conducted. In the absence of the pastor of the 
church he was always called upon, in accordance with a good old 
righteous custom, to read a sermon on Sabbath mornings, and he is said 
to have been so beautiful a reader, that when it was understood that 
Father Sharpe was to read a sermon, members of the Legislature and 
others not ordinarily interested in preaching, would often come in to 
hear it read. 


*See document opp. page 302. 


EARLY SABBATH SCHOOL EFFORTS IN INDIANAPOLIS 
from 
First Sabbath in April, 1823. 


By James M. Ray. 


(Delivered Sunday, April 1, 1866, in closing exercises at Church 
on Circle.) 


The Sabbath School interest in Indianapolis is now so well 
established that it will be hard to realize, at the present day, the 
toils and trials through which the cause had to struggle even here, 
in its early years; and in the hearts of those who have been merci- 
fully kept in this world life from the very beginning of the efforts | 
in this behalf, the conviction cannot but be deeply impressed of 
the manifest fulfillment of the inspired promise, ‘‘A little one 
shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the 
Lord will hasten it in My time.”’ 

The Lord has hastened it in His chosen time, in this city, and 
we are here to acknowledge it. 

A marked feature of the early settlers of Indianapolis, in con- 
trast with those of the neighboring towns, commenced about the 
same time, was the manifest impression on their minds that as it 
was to be the capital of the state in a few years, it would some 
day be an important city. 

To this expectation may be attributed the solicitude of the 
far-seeing to purchase real estate, and of the ambitious to acquire 
the confidence and favor of their fellow-citizens to attain office 
and influence, while professional men, of a higher stamp than in 
other towns, were attracted here to acquire eminence and success. 
This was so marked that it was observed that several persons, who 
had not borne the best of reputations elsewhere, seemed here to 

206 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 207 


set out anew on their good behavior. From the mixed character of 
the population it was of critical importance what tone should be 
imparted in the moulding of these gathered strangers. And if the 
moral and religious results are to be estimated as the most valued 
tests of the worth of the influence then effected, it will be cheer- 
fully acknowledged by all survivors that to the earnest and intelli- 
gent zeal and devoted piety of one of the first settlers (who ar- 
rived here with his family from eastern Virginia, in the spring 
1821), is this city more indebted for everything lovely and of good 
report, and especially for its Sabbath School character from the 
beginning, than to any number of other settlers combined. 

On a granite monument, formerly in the old cemetery, but now 
removed to its final site at Crown Hill, is inscribed: ‘‘The Found- 
er of Sabbath Schools in Indianapolis.’’ While the few associates 
of that founder survive (even to this forty-third annual return 
of the first Sabbath in April, 1823, when he commenced a Sabbath 
School in this city), it is certainly fitting that we should acknowl- 
edge, both our deep feeling of the benefits and blessings, as well 
as those of the city we have grown up with, derived from the early 
and zealous enterprise of that devoted Christian, Dr. Isaac Coe. 
To appreciate the obstacles in his way, it should be known that he 
was entirely alone in having any knowledge or experience in the 
formation of Sabbath Schools, amongst a mixed people with 
varied tastes, and that for the two preceding years of 1821 and 
1822 there was little to arrest the free range of our expected town, 
then locked up in the deep shade of the woods, so as to make 
much distinction between the Sabbath and other days of the week, 
except an occasional sermon by a traveling preacher; hence it was 
no light matter to awaken sufficient interest in the young to 
have them gathered and taught on the Sabbath in the Word of 
God. Dr. Coe’s first effort was in the early part of 1822 to bring 
together the Christian element, which could be found among the 
settlers, and by his personal urgency, on February 20 of that year, 
a Bible School was organized of grown persons, which met every 
other Sabbath morning, at 9 o’clock, at the home of Lismund Basye 
(a devoted Methodist brother, still laboring in Illinois, and who 
lately gladdened us with a visit). The members recited portions 


208 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of Scripture or made written replies to questions given them by the 
Doctor to be proved and explained. This class was continued until 
fall, when the nearly universal sickness controlled the time of all, 
either as nurses or patients. " 

As the Bible School prepared the way for the Sabbath School 
effort of the next year, and this may be the most fitting oppor- 
tunity of stating the facts, I will add, that it was under the control 
of Robert Brenton, first superintendent: John McClung, second 
superintendent; Isaac Coe, secretary; Robert McLain, assistant 
secretary ; S. Henderson, treasurer; and the superintendents, with 
Isaac Coe, James Blake and Judge Mellvain a committee to select 
the questions to be proved by Seripture. (It need hardly be stated 
that these questions were all written by Dr. Coe.) Among the 
others were Colonel James Paxton, John Hawkins and Caleb 
Seudder, with a number of ladies, in all about thirty-four enrolled. 

The first movement for forming a Sabbath School in Indian- 
apolis was made after the close of the meeting for the first election 
of trustees of the Presbyterian congregation of the place, Harvey 
Grege being chairman and James M. Ray, secretary, when Rev. 
David C. Proctor, Isaae Coe, John Hawkins, Lismund Basye and 
John McClung were elected a committee to draft a constitution to 
organize a Sunday School.* The Indianapolis Gazette, of April 
5th, 1823, contains this notice: ‘‘The Indianapolis Sabbath School 
will commence next Sabbath, April 6th, at 9 o’clock in the morn- 
ing, at Mr. Caleb Scudder’s shop.’’ The cheerfulness with which 
our lately departed brother Scudder prepared his cabinet shop, on 
Saturday afternoons, is very gratefully remembered by his few re- 
maining survivors, as well as his constant fidelity as a religious 
instructor, superintendent and teacher, and especially as the sweet 
singer, leading all our songs of public praise for many years. On 
that day (which to some of us appears even yet but as yesterday), 
the school was commenced with thirty scholars, which in three 
weeks increased to seventy. During the year 1823 ninety-eight 
scholars were enrolled, the average attendance being about forty. 

In 1824, (the second year), the average attendance was over 
56; in 1825, (the third year), by a careful visiting of the town, it 
was ascertained that there were 200 children of suitable age to 


*See document opp. page 302. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 209 


attend the school, of whom 161 were enrolled and the average at- 
tendance 75. Probably not more than 125 of these children re- 
sided in the bounds of the town, as several scholars came from two 
to five miles distant. It was computed that from 1825 to 1836, 
about 70 per cent. of the children of a fit age in the town attended 
Sabbath School. 

In 1836 systematic monthly visiting was established by the 
teachers of six out of ten schools then in existence, uniting in this 
concert of action for building up and extending the Sabbath 
School work so as to bring all the children in the city as nearly as 
possible under its influence. In that year (1836), out of 558 
children in the city, 430 were on the Sabbath School rolls, being 
77 per cent. The proportion in school continued to increase while 
this union visiting was faithfully sustained, so that in ten years 
afterwards, in 1846, nine out of ten of the children of fit age were 
enrolled in the Sabbath School, being 989 out of 1026 children. 

The first superintendent of the original school was James M. 
Ray, succeeded by Douglas Maguire, Benjamin J. Blythe, Caleb 
Seudder, James Blake, and others, of whom the first and last 
named served more than half the time since the school was first 
organized, until the Third Presbyterian Sabbath School was 
formed. 

A liberal system of rewards to the scholars for memorizing was 
introduced at the beginning—one verse in scripture, or four 
in reading, or ten words in spelling being entitled to a reward in 
books to the value of one cent, an account being kept with each 
scholar, his study books charged to him, and the balance paid in 
good books. 

A record of the credits to each scholar in the year 1827 is still 
preserved. 

The scarcity of good opportunities of common school educa- 
tion made it needful to begin with the rudiments with the youngest 
scholars, on whom, as well as on the more advanced scholars, it is 
certain that these gifts of attractive books semi-annually had a 
marked influence in securing diligence and perseverance in study. 
This system was abolished in 1831, partly from the conviction of 
many that the principle of thus rewarding for duty should not be 


210 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


cherished, and from the expense of sustaining the gifts. A leading 
object of general visiting to introduce the Sabbath School success- 
fully was to remove the prejudices which generally exist in a 
newly gathered community against any system of distinction or 
habit to which they were unaccustomed, and it was not unusual to 
receive from parents a reluctant assent to their children going to 
the school, with the remark that they supposed it would at least 
keep them out of other mischief. Among the absurd objections 
made, the prevalent ones were that the leading Sabbath School 
men had salaries for their services and a commission besides for 
every scholar enrolled, and some charged that these rolls were to 
be sent to England, and every scholar named thereby became a 
subject of the King of Great Britain. This need not be much 
wondered at when we remember that this was only a dozen years 
after the last war with England closed, in which many of the early 
settlers had taken a part, and some of the jealousy remained. But 
the principal prejudice was kept up by insisting that we specu- 
lated on the price of the books furnished the children. The charge 
of sectarianism was happily refuted by the large-hearted liber- 
ality which embraced in harmony from the first, all, who in evan- 
gelical faith, would work together in love. 

The influences resulting from these early and protracted union 
co-operations have been of immense value in originating and ad- 
vancing every moral and religious enterprise in the progress of 
the city; and it is therefore not surprising that those who had been 
amongst the earliest workers in the Sabbath School field here, 
should be very reluctant in giving up the system of union visiting 
of the whole city, monthly, for the general Sabbath School cause, 
and the union prayer meetings on the second Monday evening of 
each month, when the reports of visiting were made. When the 
population of the city was about 3,000, the number of officers of 
the Sabbath Schools, superintendents, secretaries, librarians and 
teachers was estimated at not less than 140, and, adding the 
scholars, the number in all would be about 1,000—thus about one- 
third of the population was brought under Sabbath school influ- 
ence. 

How marked that influence must have been in forming the 


Record card (upper) 
and certificate of dismis- 
sal (lower) issued by the 
American Sunday School 
Union, the record card 
bearing, at lower edge, the 
imprint of that organiza- 
tion. These cards were 
used in the Union Sabbath 
School, later known as 
“The Sunday School at- 
tached to the First Pres- 
byterian Church.’ 

Record card ‘is’ dated 
1833 and is signed by 
Isaac Coe and Caleb Scud- 
der—the one the religious 
instructor, the other the 
teacher of the class. 

Dismissal card carries 
the signature of Governor 
Samuel Bigger, teacher, 
and is dated October 31, 
1841. 















1 
1 ) | 
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reli lee Tad y Lb bing Meheerser) i were? 
yi te as GS Crew oe os 
ie Bie? BE SEE 2 Pour tual te Absent oe mar 
MANVARY Fo 4 
2 Nu B R Us ATKY <a nanntingo ne aor es on 
MARCH | 2. 
APRIL 6 
MAN a : 
JUNE oe ; 
MURTY. ee. 
AUGUST UZ. ay : 
SX er we : 
0c" 
Serh e pe 
“1B . LD aS 
| Siape (ON gt €2 Com ud nn Go i / Le x ABLE z : 


a regular 







attac hed to the 





« of those who love the 


ae O Vay? 


Su per indendentt, 


CAL) ) 
A. Ag 
SP 

ules 

f 


ty 
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yt 
1 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 211 


character of our city can only be revealed when the final record 
will be made up at the last day. 

In 1829, two of the Sabbath school men—a Baptist and Pres- 
byterian—were appointed a Missionary Committee to organize 
other Sabbath Schools in this and other neighboring counties— 
being Henry Bradley and James M. Ray, aided afterwards by 
Ebenezer Sharpe, Caleb Scudder, and others—resulting in forming 
over twenty Sabbath Schools, many of which were the foundations 
of schools, which have since been sustained, mostly in this county 
and in Hendricks and Morgan. 

A feature peculiar in our Union School was the appointment 
of religious instructors separate from the ordinary teachers of 
the several classes. 


It first grew out of the scarcity of pious teachers, and a sense 
of the vital importance of religious instruction in a Sabbath School, 
and resulted in the appointment of those supposed to be best 
qualified to give that instruction, and make an impression on the 
minds of the children, each taking charge of the religious instruc- 
tion of one or more classes, and the course pursued was for the 
instructor to call the children one by one to him, endeavor to learn 
the state of their minds, converse freely and affectionately with 
them on the interests of their souls, and impart such religious in- 
formation as seemed appropriate. This was done while the teacher 
was hearing others recite the memorized lesson, and after the reci- 
tations were finished, the religious instructor often addressed the 
class separately, or examined it on some previously assigned sub- 
ject. Although this system was abandoned after the introduction 
of the union questions, together with the practice besides of supply- 
ing all the classes with pious teachers, still the impression dwells in 
the minds of many teachers that it did afford superior advantages 
for making a religious impression on the minds of the scholars, 
to that in which the whole depends on the regular class teacher, 
who seldom has much time for anything more than hearing lessons 
and examining the class through, and if he had, can seldom con- 
verse with one alone without interruption, from the necessity of 
keeping order in the rest of the class. Add to this that all teachers 
are not equally competent to give religious instruction or influ- 


212 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ence the minds, and this duty can be assigned to those who are 
most so, and whose attention being wholly turned to this subject, 
with no distraction from governing the class, will be likely to be 
most eminently successful in the highest aim of the Sunday School 
teacher. Those who were formerly engaged in the work believe this 
conclusion is warranted by the effect then produced. 


Among the religious instructors, I may mention the names of 
Isaac Coe, Ebenezer Sharpe, Robert Brenton, Henry Bradley, 
Caleb Scudder, John G. Brown, M. Noel, Isaac Phipps, M. Foud- 
ray, Daniel Yandes; Mesdames Paxton, Baker, Lawrence, Bush, 
Sharpe, Goudy, Brown, Scudder, Sickels and Ray—all but four 
of these twenty being Mr. Phipps and Mr. Yandes, Mrs. Paxton 
and Mrs. Alma Coe Sickels, are living, but not on earth. 


Amongst the other early teachers were John Douglass, Henry 
Porter, Stephen Dyer, Austin W. Morris, Nathaniel Bolton, John 
Wilkins, Israel Griffith, Douglass Maguire, Mr. Peppard, B. J. 
Blythe, Samuel Merrill, James Blake, and Mrs. Porter and Mrs. 
Lilly; Misses Hanson, Peppard, Henderson, and others. Of the 
teachers, four also survive, being John Wilkins, James Blake, Miss 
Hanson, and the speaker. In all, eight survive out of the forty 
teachers in 1826, of whom seven are present today. Mrs. Calvin 
Fletcher, Mrs. Samuel Blythe, Mrs. Susan Walpole, and many 
others are still with us, who were not among the earliest teachers. 


The Union Sabbath School continued to combine all the efforts 
for the young, on the Sabbath, during the first five years of the 
rrowing city. 

Among the groups in some of the many mansions in our Fath- 
er’s house in the better land, a company has been gathering and is 
nearly complete of those who, before the forty years now gone 
by, toiled together under the guidance of our devoted leader, Isaac 
Coe, in training the youthful population of Indianapolis in the 
knowledge and service of the loving Saviour; and of the faithful 
scholars thus taught many are already near that ransomed com- 
pany and with them at the Saviour’s feet rejoicing that His Word 
proved to them, by the Spirit’s sealing, their eternal blessing. 


The Wesley Sabbath School was organized in April, 1828, and 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 213 


in its second year had 176 scholars enrolled, with an average at- 
tendance of 92. 

The Baptist School was formed in November, 1833, and had in 
the next year 100 scholars, averaging 60 in attendance. 

The Episcopalian School was formed in the fall of 1837, but we 
have no reports of its numbers. 

The English Lutheran School was formed on July 6, 1839, and 
in that year enrolled 37 scholars, 20 in usual attendance. 

The Second Presbyterian School was organized in August, 
1839, and in the next year enrolled 50 scholars, 31 in average 
attendance. 

Roberts Chapel School was formed on December 15, 1842, and 
in the second year enrolled 120 scholars, 80 in average attendance. 

- The Christian Reformed school was formed in 1843. 

As this review has reference especially to the earlier Sabbath 
School efforts in the city, it will not be carried further, except to 
rejoice in adding that now, in 1866, flourishing Sabbath schools 
exist In connection with every Christian denomination in the city. 

The present Sabbath School in the remaining hive of the old 
stock has just joyfully occupied the very pleasant rooms so amply 
provided for its use in the chapel of the new (third) house of 
worship, in the corner-stone of which these reminiscences are 
placed, with the trust that when these foundations are overturned, 
the record to be then added to the succeeding future of The First 
Presbyterian Church, of Indianapolis, and its Sabbath school, 
may prove that in the hands of their members the word of the Lord 
has had free course and been glorified. 


THE STATE SUNDAY SCHOOL ORGANIZATION 


The Indianapolis Union Sabbath School was in the pioneer 
class, having been organized a year before the American Sunday 
School Union. It promptly affiliated with the national organi- 
zation, however, and adopted systematic work. Its affairs were 
conducted by the Indianapolis Sabbath School Society,* which 
appointed James M. Ray and Henry Bradley ‘‘missionaries’’ to 


*See note page 261 for report of a meeting of the Board of Directors 
of this society on March 31, 1826. 


214 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


organize schools throughout the county and in neighboring coun- 
ties, which they did with gratifying success. 

In October, 1825, the Sabbath School Union Society of Indiana 
was organized at Charlestown, on a preliminary basis, the consti- 
tution and other formalities being adopted at the first Annual 
Meeting, which was held at Indianapolis, August 2-6, 1826. It 
was estimated at that time that there were 2000 children attending 
Sunday Schools in Indiana, of which about one-third were affil- 
iated with the state organization. But it was estimated that there 
were 48,000 children not attending, and that ‘‘the greater part of 
these 48,000 children are growing up in great ignorance, and thus 
preparing for great wickedness.’’ 

The President of the society was Judge James Scott, of the Su- 
preme Court, who is entitled to immortality as the author of the 
ninth article of the state constitution of 1816, covering the subjects 
of education, charities and correction, and public libraries. The 
vice-presidents were Rev. John M. Dickey, Rev. Resin Hammond, 
and Judge Jeremiah Sullivan; corresponding secretary, Rev. 
James H. Johnson; recording secretary, Rev. Alex. Williamson ; 
treasurer, Hon. John F'. Ross. The board of managers consisted of 
Samuel Merrill, Rev. Benjamin Barnes, Doctor Isaac Coe, Rev. 
Wm. W. Martin, Rev. Geo. Bush, Rev. Samuel Gregg, Rev. Tilly 
H. Brown, Rev. Samuel Lowry, Dr. John Howes, James Morrison, 
and Rev. John F. Crowe. 

The Committee of Publication, on which the most important 
duties fell, was wholly from Indianapolis, and composed of Rev. 
George Bush, Dr. Isaac Coe, Saml. Merrill, James M. Ray, and 
Rev. Benjamin Barnes. It was given the duty of issuing an 
address to the public, with full directions for organizing and con- 
ducting a Sunday School, and as the Sunday Schools of that time 
were different in some respects from those of today, and most of 
the recommendations were of usages then in effect in the Indian- 
apolis school, the following extracts are given: 


GENERAL PLAN OF SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY 


SUPERINTENDENTS. Of these in a school where the aver- 
age attendance is 100, there ought to be 4.—The duty of the first to 
take the government of the school, assign the teachers to the sev- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 215 


eral classes, and see each class is furnished with a teacher. The 
second should examine and class all scholars, and see they are sup- 
plied with proper books, of which he should keep an account. The 
third keep the records of the school—and the fourth examine the 
manner in which teachers discharge their duty, and give them 
such instruction as may be necessary; in smaller schools two or 
three superintendents may be sufficient, but there should never 
be less than two, that in case of sickness or absence of one, there 
might be a second to supply his place. 

TEACHERS. Of these there should at least be one to each 
class, and where a sufficient number can be had, an assistant 
teacher; if not, there ought to be several supernumeraries to sup- 
ply the place of absentees. 

SCHOLARS. Every scholar who will learn something during 
each week, may be admitted, and if he behaves well, continued; 
those who enter early acquire a habit of attendance which may be 
beneficial as they grow older. 

CLASSIFICATION. Let the aiual be divided into four 
classes; the first, those who study the Scriptures; the second, those 
who memorize hymns and catechisms; the third, those who spell in 
two or more syllables; and the fourth, those who are learning the 
alphabet and monosyllables; and let each class be divided into as 
many sections as necessary, so that each section shall consist of 
from six to twelve scholars; the classification to be made at the 
commencement of every quarter, and the scholars classed according 
to what they have learned the preceding quarter. 

BOOKS. The first class should memorize Matthew, beginning 
at the 2d chapter, John, Acts and Romans—A selection as given in 
the appendix, from Genesis, Exodus and Deuteronomy, with such 
other parts of scripture or catechisms as may be thought advisable. 
The second class should memorize catechisms and hymns—those 
published by the American Sunday School Union, are prepared by 
a committee consisting of the principal religious denominations in 
the United States, and contain no doctrines in which all do not 
unite. In the Indianapolis school, Watts’ First Catechism, Milk 
for Babes, Watts’ Divine and Moral Songs, Doddridge’s Poetical 
Lessons, and Taylor’s Original Hymns are learned in course, be- 


216 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


fore commencing the Testament. The third class should use some 
spelling book; the fourth class, some spelling book or primer 
containing the alphabet and words of one syllable; and both classes 
should memorize their spelling lessons. 

The Sunday School Spelling Book and Union Primer, were de- 
signed for these classes, but might, the committee believes, be still 
better fitted for the object they are intended to accomplish, par- 
ticularly the last,—the vocabulary of monosyllables in Webster’s 
spelling book appears better calculated to advance the young 
beginner. 


MANNER OF SUPPLYING CHILDREN WITH BOOKS. If 
this be left to parents, children will often be destitute; it is there- 
fore recommended as a better course, to supply all the scholars 
with such books as are needed for study and charge them, to be 
taken out of their earnings. 


REMARKS. In all Sabbath Schools, rewards of some kind are, 
it is believed, bestowed, and are found necessary to secure punctual 
attendance, and stimulate to industry during the week. These 
rewards are various, such as books, the use of the library, distine- 
tion in school, and the approbation of the teachers. They are all 
based upon the same foundation, the necessity of placing before 
human nature, constituted as it is, some motive to induce exertion. 

As to the kind and measure of rewards, different opinions are 
entertained, and without entering particularly into a discussion 
of the subject, the committee would recommend that they be of 
such a nature, as to influence the minds of those to whom they 
are offered, and of such amount as in some good degree to effect 
the object intended. 

Experience has borne testimony to the good effects of the 
course (mentioned in the appendix) pursued on this subject by the 
Indianapolis Sabbath School Union, which, while it affords a con- 
siderable and varied stimulus to the industry of children, supplies 
them with books in perhaps the best possible manner, as a reward 
for their own exertions, and where a community is unwilling to 
contribute the funds necessary for this purpose, we need not be 
surprised if no benevolent institution should flourish. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PALS 


CONCLUSION OF ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC 


Parents and Heads of Families! To you is committed the sol- 
emn charge of training up your beloved offspring im the ways of 
wisdom and piety. Though they are but just entered on the jour- 
ney of existence, yet even their infantile being is of unspeakable 
value. They have immortal souls—souls hable to perish through 
lack of vision! Great and sacred your trust! Arduous your work! 
To the right discharge of this task, we tender you in Sabbath 
Schools, a most valuable aid. Though not designed to supersede 
your own best efforts, yet it offers itself as a handmaid; a kindly 
helper in a parent’s work; cast it not away. Frown not upon its 
proffered blessings. Give it the hand of welcome, and prove by 
trial, the benefits which it promises. The heavenly visitant stands 
in the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, 
and her voice is to the sons of men. For the sake of the children 
which the Lord hath given, grant her admittance, and let her be- 
stow her favors and treasures upon them. 


To all true philanthropists and friends of their country, we 
urge our plea. You are not indifferent to the interests of that 
land which gave you birth, and which you glory to call your own. 
Its political prosperity lies near your heart. You hail with pleas- 
ure every improvement which promises to be a public benefit. 
You lift your hand and voice in favor of every measure that tends 
to exalt our character as a nation. What, we ask, can be compared 
to the magnitude of the object before us—the mental and moral 
culture of the tens of thousands of free born sons of our republic? 
Casting our eye over the whole field of possible improvement in 
our state, what can vie for a moment with the superlative im- 
portance of imparting religion, intelligence, and the means of 
happiness to the young—those to whom the destinies of our coun- 
try are to be committed? We count upon your support. 

Christians! Professed disciples of the Lord! You find benev- 
olence, mercy, works of kindness, written on the very first page of 
the law of your duty. You are not to make yourselves strangers 
to the temporal or spiritual wants of your fellow creatures. You 
are called to be co-workers with Him who doeth good unto all—to 


218 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


be the followers of Him who went about doing good and who 
blessed little children. You are to be on the watch for occasions 
of rendering service to the children of men, especially the poor 
and needy. And where can you find a more promising field? 
Where, one which God has more signally blessed? How many dis- 
tinguished lights of the Church have received their first serious 
impressions in a Sabbath School? How many teachers have been 
among the fruits of revivals? How many of the precious lambs of 
the Redeemer’s flock are even now contained in these little Sun- 
day groups?) How many infant heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, 
who have been gathered out of these nurseries, have died praising 
God that they ever entered a Sabbath School? And what numbers 
more have we reason to think are still training in them for the 
skies? Enlist then in this blessed cause. Some department of the 
work calls for your services, precisely yours. And, once enlisted, 
persevere. Hold out to the end; and you may hope at last to see 
some of the dear pupils whom you have taught or enabled others to 
teach, forming a part of your crown of rejoicing in the day of the 
Lord Jesus. 


¥* *% * 


PROPOSED PREAMBLE AND PROVISIONS OF CONSTITUTION 


Having received the Bible, a revelation from God, and the only 
perfect and infallible guide on subjects moral and religious, and 
believing that as parents, citizens and Christians, we in the estab- 
lished order of Providence, as well as by express command, are 
constituted the natural and proper instructors of our children 
and the rising generation in its all-important truths, are desir- 
ous as one means of discharging this imperious duty of commencing 
a systematic and well digested course of religious instruction on the 
Sabbath, which shall unite the feelings, counsels ale labors of 
every Christian denomination. 

And deeply sensible of our inability properly to discharge obli- 
gations and responsibilities so ultimately connected with the social, 
civil and spiritual happiness of our children and community, we 
would fervently supplicate the great Author of our being for a 
blessing on our feeble endeavors. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 219 


And to ensure regularity and harmony in our proceedings, do 
establish the following Constitution: 


III. The duty of the visiting committee shall be, at least once 
during the quarter of their service, to visit every family within a 
reasonable distance of the school for which it is appointed, ascer- 
tain and report to the board the number, names and ages of all 
proper subjects for instruction in the school, and use every proper 
influence to procure and continue their attendance, and also to 
ascertain and report to the board, all who may be well qualified 
for teachers in the school and whose attendance there may be a 
probability of procuring. 


XIII. The duty of the superintendent of the religious in- 
structors shall be, to assign instructors to the several classes, sup- 
ply vacancies, attend to the manner in which the several instruc- 
tors discharge their duties, at least monthly to examine every class, 
take charge of the instructors’ books, furnish the librarian with a 
list of all entitled to the use of the library, and the value of the 
books they are entitled to draw, and, either open and close the 
school, or designate some person to do it. The assistant-superin- 
tendent shall, in the absence of the principal, supply his place, 
and at other times discharge such duties as shall be assigned him 
by the principal. 


XIV. The duty of the religious instructors shall be: 


Ist—During the recitation of the memorized lessons, to con- 
verse with the several scholars alone, learn the state of their minds 
and give them such advice, admonition and exhortation, as shall 
appear likely to impress more deeply on their minds, the great 
truths of the gospel, their condition as sinners, and lead them to a 
Saviour. 


2d—After the memorized lessons of any class are recited, to 
examine the class on a previously assigned lesson, and to assign 
and explain a lesson for the succeeding Sabbath. 


3d—To keep a record of the attendance, behaviour and exam- 
ination of each scholar, and of the lessons assigned to each class. 


220 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


LIBRARY REGULATIONS 


4th. The books of the library shall be numbered and so classed, 
as that books of the value of 12 cents and under, shall form the 
first class; over 12 and not exceeding 25, the second; over 25 and 
not exceeding 50, the third; over 50 and not exceeding 75, the 
fourth; over 75 and not exceeding $1.00, the fifth; over $1.00 and 
not exceeding $1.50, the sixth; and over $1.50 and not exceeding 
$2.00, the seventh; being classed according to the retail price af- 
fixed by the purchasing committee, and the number and class of 
each book shall be written therein. | 


5th. Every scholar who has attended school one month, and 
who, the librarian has reason to believe, will continue and may 
safely be trusted with books, shall be entitled, for punctual attend- 
ance, good behaviour, and bearing a good examination on the les- 
son assigned by the committee of religious instruction, to draw a 
book from the library of the value of four times as many cents, as 
the average lesson assigned by the religious instructor to the class, 
consists of verses or their equivalent, which book may be kept one 
week and no longer. 


6th. Every dirt or grease spot, turned down or torn leaf, or 
week over-kept, in books of the first class, shall be fined one cent; 
in books of the second class, two cents; third class, three; fourth 
elass, four; fifth class, five; sixth class, six; and seventh class, 
seven cents; and for other injuries, to be fined by the librarian in 
like proportion, and the value of any book lost or very much in- 
jured, to be paid for either in money or memorizing, and no 
scholar or teacher to have two books at one time, or, after injuring 
one book, to draw another, until the fine has been paid, or a suffi- 
cient credit is standing in his favor to discharge it; and whenever 
a fine has been assessed for injury done a book, it shall be entered 
on the book by the librarian. 


7th. Every superintendent, religious instructor and teacher, 
who is present at the opening of the school, and no other, shall be 
entitled to the use of the library, subject, however, to the same 
penalties for injuries and over-keeping, as the scholars. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Pied | 


8th. The books shall be issued weekly, before the close of the 
school, or at such time and place as the librarian shall appoint. 
* * * 


The provision of books was one of the chief problems of the 
new organization, and the managers took the risk of ordering $100 
worth on their own responsibility, and establishing ‘‘depositories”’ 
at Madison, New Albany and Indianapolis, from which these were 
to be supplied to individual schools at cost. The organization was 
financed by contributions, chiefly in the form of hfe member- 
ships, which were $5 each. The committee extended an opportun- 
ity for codperation to the ladies in the statement: ‘‘And to the 
female part of our readers, we are happy in being able to propose 
and recommend the example of their sisters in several congrega- 
tions, who have already, by their own contributions, made their 
pastors life members.”’ | 

It will be noted that this organization was independent of any 
echureh organization, and so were the individual Sunday Schools 
at the beginning. As church organizations grew stronger, they 
started special Sunday Schools, and in the course of years the in- 
dependent organization lost its constituency. In addition to this, 
the Civil War upset all national organizations, and put a tempo- 
rary end to the work of many local ones. On May 30, 1865, there 
was held at Indianapolis a convention of delegates from the Sun- 
day Schools of the state, ‘‘pursuant to a notice by the friends of 
the Sunday Schools in Indianapolis.’’ A second convention was 
held at New Albany in June 1866, and a third at Lafayette in June 
1867. At the last, the constitution of the Indiana State Sabbath 
School Union, was adopted, and that organization formally 
launched on its career. 


CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


bo 
bo 
bo 


NEW YEAR’S GREETING—1872 
SABBATH SCHOOL OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
ROLL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS 
OFFICERS 


E. B. Martindale, superintendent; A. M. Benham, assistant superin- 
tendent; Mattie Stewart, assistant superintendent; George Carter 
treasurer; Jas. D. Vinnedge, secretary; Jere. McLene, librarian; Henry 
D. Carlisle, assistant librarian; Sam’l L. Johnson, assistant librarian; 
Ora Pearson, leader of music; H. S. Stedman, organist; George Carter, 
flute; S. C. Chitty, flute. 


MEMBERS 


BIBLE CLASS NO. 1.—Rev. Jas. Greene, teacher. Parish L. May- 
hew, John L. Harper, Alexander Harbison, George H. Wilcox, Stephen C. 
Chiffy, Davies M. Greene, Charles D. Meigs, Hugh Dickson, Frank R. Pet- 
itt, Alexander Obney, H. C. Hunt, J. S. McMaster, Augustin Boice, George 
W. Cox, Louis N. Steinmark, J. N. Deming, Leroy W. Braden, John C. 
McCutcheon. 


BIBLE CLASS NO. 2.—I. C. Hayes, teacher. Annie Allen, Laura Al- 
len, Grace Allen, Sallie Ankeny, Katie Boyd, Emma Barnett, Emma Foley, 
Fannie Hay, Clara Harvey, Nettie Hamilton, Belle Heaton, Effie Jones, 
Kate Nixon, Emma Shields, Belle Shields, Abbie Warner, Henrietta 
Weber. 


BIBLE CLASS NO. 3.—H. R. Allen, teacher. Miss Sallie Carlisle, 
Miss Lizzie Doris, Mrs. Maria Smith, Miss Lillie Latham, Miss Mary 
Bradshaw, Miss Sallie Sickels, Miss Mary Davis, Miss Alice Newell, Miss 
Maggie Hamilton, Miss Sarah Sloan, Miss Fannie Noel, Miss Lizzie Hay, 
Miss Kate Espy, Jennie Logan, Mary Logan, Mattie Lannes. Miss Harbi- 
son, Miss Adda Johnson, Miss Kate Bradshaw, Miss Augusta Morse, Miss 
Lizzie Winfield, Miss Gabie Landis, Miss Sadie Louden, Miss Julia Lou- 
den, Miss Mary Harper, Mrs. Ella Burford, Miss Eva Hough, Miss Lizzie 
Braden, Mrs. Frybarger. 


BIBLE CLASS NO. 4.—H. McCoy, teacher. Dr. L. C. McLain, John 
H. Brewer, W. R. Nash, Dr. Jno. B. Cress, Dr. Stiles R. Fox, Dr. O. J. R. 
Hanna, J. R. Erringer, L. A. Heineman, Dr. Wilbur, Simeon Carey. 


Miss Mattie C. Stewart, teacher. Mattie MaclIntire, Annie Burgess, 
Ella Venable, Alice Venable, Lizzie Walpole, Florence Bennett. 

EK. P. Howe, teacher. Ella Walker, Mary Elder, Mary Harrison, Til- 
lie Heitkam, Bell Irving, Anna Loucks, Jessie Sharpe, Eda Heitkam. 

Miss Jennie Huston, teacher. Susie Martindale, Anna Kumler, Mag- 
gie Irving, Nellie Maguire, Jennie Carey, Lulu Allen, Jennie Johnston. 

Miss Nellie Skillen, teacher. Georgia Mars, Sarah Skillen, Frankie 
MaclIntire, Maud Haskett, Addie Pulling, Cora Sharpe, Birdie Miller, Lu 
Watson, Jennie Warner. 

Mrs. L. B. Walker, teacher. Mary Obney, Myrilla Hayes, Mary Bied- 
enmeister, Lillie McIntosh, Ella Kumler, Mary McColough, Flora Mc- 
Cleland. 

Miss Jennie McChesney, teacher. Lizzie Youart, Agnes Gregg, Anna 
Hall, Cora Walker, Ella Harper, Flora Miller, Adelia Stone. 

Mrs. Harrison, teacher. Nettie Churchman, Stella Hauck, Anna 
Churchman, Nettie Hauck, Lizzie Cox, Linnie Sproul, Cora Walker. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 223 


Mrs. George Carter, teacher. Maggie Carlisle, May Davis, Bell 
Loucks, May Vinnedge, May Carlisle, Fanny Purcell. 

Miss Bell Sharpe, teacher. Bell Noel, May Harrison, Catherine Sick- 
els, Lillie Vinnedge, Mary Hay, Florence Browning, Kate Hay. 

Miss Skillen, teacher. Ella Hockett, Lillie Hunt, Kate Scott, Maude 
Grubbs, Cynthia Cobb, Lizzie Harvey, Carrie Hunt. 

Mrs. John Carlisle, teacher. Charles Gentry, G. W. Hockett, Thomas 
Kinney, James Myers, Wm. Preston, Daniel Carlisle, B. F. Hockett, John 
O’Donald, Charles Warner, Charles Barnworth. 

Mrs. C. C. Burgess, teacher. James Lynn, Daniel Lynn, George Bar- 
naby, Thomas Barnaby, William Desmore, James Logsden, Caleb John- 
son, Jefferson Dillard, Willard Jones, William Mann, Walter Mann, Geo. 
Simpson, Daniel Lynn, Floyd Spurnes. 

Mrs. Browning, teacher. Robert Mardindale, Louis Watson, George 
Hasket, Corwin Harper, George Biedenmeister, Samuel Carey, Walter 
Johnston, Charlie Johnston, Willie Turner, Berry Fitch, James Harper, 
George M. Ray. 

Mrs. Latham, teacher. Sproule Braden, Stewart Carlisle, Robert 
Browning, Jr., Hunter Watson, George Burgess, George Nichol, Warren 
White, Addison Roach. 

Mrs. Hammond, teacher. Morris Noel, Thomas Barnes, Charles Vin- 
nedge, Frank Pruden, William Pruden, Arthur Miller, Eddie Holloway, 
Frank Holloway. 

Miss Hattie MaclIntire, teacher. Russell Harrison, Charles Irving, 
William Elder, Lynn Martindale, Charles Martindale, John Harper, Frank 
Harvey, James Wood, Charles Spicer, Frank Walker, Hiram Howland. 

Mr. Sharpe, teacher. Harry Sickels, William Barnes, Louis Feller, 
Richard Cox, Eugene Rodenberger, Thomas Harbison, Charles Whitcomb. 

Mr. Ray, teacher. Willie Brown, Willie Sharp, Vance Noel, Albert 
Walker, William Feary, Pearly White, Edward Brown, Arthur Pruden. 

Mr. Howland, teacher. George Anderson, John Urban, Frank May- 
ers, Frank Jacoby, John Anderson, Charles Arnold, Frank Crum, Harry 
Walker. 

Miss Goulding, teacher. Alice Capen, Etta Austin, Anna Morris, Liz- 
zie Barnaby, Martha Mann, Isabella Laws, Indiana Spicer, Missouri Spi- 
cer, Jennie Oulds, Ellen Simpson, Mollie McKinney. 

Mrs. Warne, teacher. Harry Wyant, Samuel Buchanan, Wesley 
Lynn, Edward Rich. 

Mr. A. Boice, teacher. Lewis Cornwell, Fred Leahr, Johnny Leahr, 
Henry Kaler, Charlie Warner, Henry Leahr, Homer Cook. 

Teachers of Infant Class—Mrs. Jas. M. Ray, Mrs. Geo. Jennison, Mr. 
H. L. Benham, Mr. Frank Hays. Mary Allen, Grant Anderson, Sherman 
Anderson, Becca Anderson, Dora Arnold, Julia Beach, Jessie Beach, 
Emma Biedenmeister, Hugene Braden, Annie Braden, Willie Benham, 
Minnie Brown, Lulie Barr, Frankie Barr, Molly Baker, Frank Baker, Min- 
nie Barworth, Emma Barworth, Mollie Becket, Maggie Cox, Minnie Cox, 
Philip Caborn, Ella Catherwood, Joe Crane, Jessie Cook, William Cook, 
Clara Cook, Martha Jane Cook, Grant Davis, Mabel Dickson, Maude Dick- 
son, Fannie Doty, America Doty, John Doty, Sallie Eccles, Eddie Elder, 
Julia Fletcher, Jessie Feary, Thornton Fitzhugh, Georgie Fitzhugh, Her- 
bert Foltz, William Gaston, Wand Graham, James Graham, Halle Graham, 
Eddie Houck, Lawrence Hay, Frank Hay, Willie Harrison, Lizzie Harrison, 
George Harrison, Jennie C. Harrison, Hattie Hatfield, Emma Hozier, Al- 
bert Heitkam, Bertie Johnson, Lillie Johnston, Willie Johnson, Harry 
Jannison, Nellie Johnston, Birdie Walker, Freddie Johnson, Gertie Jordan, 
Mena Kiker, Nora Kiker, Mollie Kiker, Philip Kaper, Ettie Lynn, Frankie 


2.24. CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Lynn, John Lahr, Katy Kinney, Henry Kumler, Claire Laport, Lilly Levy, 
Cordelia Levy, Lizzie Miiler, Alexander Mann, Willie Moffitt, Ansel Mof- 
fitt, D. Maguire, Clarence Martindale, John Martindale, Katie McCall, Ed- 
die McCoy, Jere McLene, Carrie Nichol, Hattie Noel, Lizzie Noel, Julia 
Root, Charles Root, Willie Root, Lena Rodenberger, Leon Rodenberger, 
Mary Rebb, Lewis Rebb, James Rebb, Harry Starling, Fred Sickels, Tom- 
mie Sharpe, Frankie Sharpe, Mamie Stowell, Eliza J. Steinmark, Joseph 
R. Steinmark, Ellen Slaven, Alice Slaven, Myron Stowell, Russell Scott, 
Lafayette Spurrier, Ida Spurrier, Robert Swift, Sallie Spearman, Eddie 
Spearman, Lawrence Vinnedge, Mary Woollen, George Watson, Lillie 
Wyant, Sammie Watson, Lillie Wood, Jessie Youart, Fannie Youart, An- 
nie Youart. 


THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL SUNDAY SCHOOL 
CELEBRATION, APRIL 6, 1873 


The first Sabbath in April, 1873, came on the 6th, making a 
perfect anniversary of the founding of the Sunday School on April 
6, 1823. Preparation was made for the celebration of the anni- 
versary at the Academy of Music, at Ohio and Illinois streets, 
which had the largest audience room in the city, seating about 
2500. As the time approached the indications of attendance grew, 
and arrangements were made for a possible overflow meeting in the 
Third Presbyterian Church, which was just across Ohio street. 
On the eventful day both of these buildings were filled, and a third 
meeting was improvised in Robert’s Park Church, which was also 
filled to overflowing, and it is stated that ‘‘hundreds returned 
home, without being able to gain admittance to any of the three 
meetings.”’ 

On this occasion letters were received and read from members 
of the original school, and their contents present the sufficient 
cause for their reproduction here. One from James M. Ray gives 
much interesting information not included in the preceding his- 
tory, and the others add various details. Of special interest is the 
postscript of the letter of Isaac N. Phipps— ‘‘Our first grove used 
for celebration (on July Fourth) was on the high ground where 
the McOuat family now lives.’’ So far as known this is the only 
definite statement recorded as to the location of these celebrated 
Fourth of July celebrations. 

This is presumably due to the fact that the ‘‘grove’’ was on un- 
surveyed land for several years after these celebrations began. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Dales 


The McOuat homestead is on the square bounded by Vermont, Lib- 
erty, Lockerbie and East streets, which was originally ‘‘Out lot 
53,’’ and which was bought by Thomas McOuat, on May 2, 1831, 
for the sum of $124. But in 1829, when the first celebration was 
held, it was not in existence, and the line of East street was the 
east boundary of the town, and of the surveyed ground. The place 
was sometimes called ‘‘the high ground east of the city,’’ and there 
is a modest elevation that is fairly ‘‘high’’ for Indianapolis, which 
runs through the square, and on which the James Whitcomb Riley 
house stands. There have never been any alleys graded through 
this square. The city council ordered one graded many years 
ago, but when the workmen went to do the grading, they found 
Thomas McOuat calmly waiting with his rifle in his lap; and he 
notified them that the first man who stuck a pick in the ground 
would better be prepared for burial. And so the ‘‘high ground’’ 
still remains. 

In addition to the letters from Sunday School boys, read at the 
semi-centennial, there are added extracts from the unpublished 
manuscript recollections of two of the girls, Mrs. Julia M. Moores 
and Mrs. Jane Ketcham, daughters of Samuel Merrill, who was 
one of the teachers in the school. There are also added the con- 
temporary account of the first separate Sunday School celebra- 
tion, in 1829, from the Indianapolis Gazette; and extracts from the 
account in the Journal. The Sunday Schools had joined in the 
procession in 1828, but the celebration that year was at the Court 
House, which was too small for the demonstration of 1829. The 
latter also seems to have been a sort of reform movement, for the 
separation of the sheep from the goats, who went off to a very 
wet dinner, at which the number of patriotic toasts was limited 
only by the amount of liquor at hand. 

* * * 
(From the Indianapolis Journal, April 7, 1873). 

When the committee of arrangements for the celebration of 
the semi-centennial anniversary of the introduction of Sunday 
Schools into Indianapolis engaged the Academy of Music for the 
occasion, it never entered the heads of any of them that it would 
be too small to accommodate at least a large portion of those who 


226 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


wished to attend. But the tremendous overwhelming outpouring 
of yesterday gave many people an entirely new idea of the extent 
and influence of the Sunday School work in our midst. The spec- 
tacle was an inspiring one and speaks very highly for the moral 
and religious sentiment of Indianapolis. As early as two o’clock 
the streets in the immediate vicinity of the Academy were 
thronged with people anxious to gain admittance, and despite the 
efforts of ushers to prevent it, and the published statement that no 
one would be admitted to the room until the Sunday Schools were 
provided for, long before some of the schools reached the building, 
the house was perfectly jammed from pit to dome, stage included. 
In fact, such was the rush that long before half-past two, the hour 
fixed for the opening of the services, just as Dr. Parvin, Superin- 
tendent of the Third Presbyterian Church Sabbath School across 
the way, had gotten his pupils in readiness to march, word was sent 
to him to organize a branch meeting there. The main audience 
room was accordingly thrown open and a large number of those 
crowded out of the Academy, met there and enjoyed a meeting 
similar to the one in progress at the Academy. But notwithstand- 
ing the fact that two meeting places were provided, they proved 
insufficient to hold the immense throng that repaired to them, and 
whole schools were unable to obtain entrance to either. 

If there were any arrangements made at the Academy for the 
speakers, choir and reporters, they were monopolized by the crowd, 
but we are much afraid that the committee overlooked them en- 
tirely, and the consequence was that none of the gentlemen who 
had been invited to address the meeting were on the stage, and 
but one was noticed within the room; the singers were crowded 
almost off the stage, while the reporters for the press were obliged 
to content themselves with a single chair off in the wings and a 
stenographic reporter, who had agreed to prepare a complete re- 
port for publication in pamphlet form, could not gain admittance. 

Shortly after the hour announced for the opening of the meet- 
ing, Judge Elijah B. Martindale called the children to order, or 
rather tried to, and the exercises commenced by the singing of a 
chorus ‘‘ And the Glory of the Lord,’’ from the ‘‘Messiah’’ by a 
select choir under direction of Mr. Ora Pearson assisted by an 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2th 


orchestra led by Prof. Vogt. The chorus was sung splendidly, 
and throughout the exercises the choruses by the choir: ‘‘How 
Lovely are the Messengers Who Teach Us the Gospel of Peace’’ by 
Mendelssohn, and ‘‘ Achieved Is the Glorious Work’’ from the 
‘‘Creation,’’ were the most enjoyable features. The chorus was 
followed with prayer by the Rev. J. P. E. Kumler and the reading 
of the 145th Psalm by Rev. Henry Day, D. D. 

The schools in unison then sang ‘‘The Lord Is King.’’ An in- 
troductory statement by Rev. H. R. Naylor was on the program for 
this point, but, as that gentleman had failed to obtain an entrance, 
it was passed over. Rev. James Greene then read the following 
letter from the 


? 


FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT 


‘““ONE GENERATION SHALL PRAISE THY NAME TO 
ANOTHER AND SHALL DECLARE THY MIGHTY ACTS.”’ 


‘‘Beloved officers, teachers and scholars, assembled to celebrate 
the Fiftieth Anniversary of the commencement of Sabbath 
Schools in Indianapolis. It would give me great pleasure to join 
you all in this return of the anniversary of the first gathering of 
the dear old Union Sunday School, when we made our way, with 
thirty boys and girls by the hand, through the brush in our paths, 
from our cabins to the neatly swept but roughly seated cabinet 
shop of Caleb Scudder, near the State House square, having little 
conception, except in the heart of our earnest leader, Dr. Isaac 
Coe, that the simple, unpretending enterprise then to be founded 
would, for time and eternity, be amongst the most important 
events that would ever occur in our young village and future capi- 
tal of Indiana. 

‘“The remembrance of that bright spring morning is fresh to 
me today, as I have not the least doubt it is now also to my dear 
brothers, Wilkens, Bradley, Colonel Blake, and others, then pres- 
ent, who have been promoted to their mansions in the spirit land. 

‘*Let us, from the sweet joy gladdening all hearts today in be- 
holding the swelling streams which, in a ceaseless tide have flowed 
from the feeble fountain springing into life fifty years ago, re- 


228 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ceive it as a precious earnest of the eternal happiness we shall en- 
joy, when all the fruits of our sowing the seed of holy truth in the 
hearts of the young of our beloved earthly city will be gathered on 
the banks of the River of Life, under the pleased smile of our loving 
Saviour. 

‘‘Even here, in advance, some precious foretastes are given to 
cheer us in the blessed service, until the Shepherd take us to.the 
upper fold. 

‘‘A stranger called on me very recently for directions to pro- 
cure pensions for the widows and children of his comrades who 
had, nearly twenty years ago, fallen in battle with the Indians, in 
settling Oregon territory. Asking his full name, that I might ad- 
dress a friend in another department in his behalf, he gave it as 
Ebenezer Sharpe Merrill. Here was before me a scholar of my 
elass in our dear Sabbath School, who had left us twenty years 
ago, for the far West, returned to tell me of his long frontier 
life, his trials and his mercies, and more than all, of his successful 
efforts in Sunday School work in Oregon, now a state, in which 
he has served as a superintendent for many years. Just then two 
bright boys of my present Sabbath School class came in to make 
us a pleasant call, and thus I had my old scholar present to tell 
them of his twenty years’ experience in Sunday School paths in 
the far West, and the balm of his early faithfulness. And here 
let me tell a precious secret to my dear associates in Sabbath 
School teaching: that if they would keep their hearts still young 
and very near the Savior—when the evening shadows of life are 
deepening around them—let them teach a class of bright boys or 
girls, who will gladly listen to the old, old story of Jesus and His 
love. 

‘‘Mr. Merrill has promised to be with you on the celebration 
day, as I trust many of the old scholars will be, that in review- 
ing the memories of the past, and the hallelujah songs of the pres- 
ent, the sowers and reapers may rejoice together. 

‘‘While delighted, however, with the proof of the blessings the 
young of our city have received from the early forming of Sab- 
bath Schools in it, let us never forget to acknowledge gratefully 
the marked influence for gcod imparted to the older of us, in the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 229 


discharge of our engagement to teach others. Previous to the 
establishment of the Sunday School, the return of the Sabbath 
made, to most of the settlers, but little interruption in the tempting 
habits of fishing in the streams and hunting for the game abound- 
ing in the woods, on that day or on other occasions of leisure. But 
in a short time after the Sunday School work commenced, with such 
religious exercises after the school closed as could be had at the 
cabinet shop and other primitive places of worship, a gradual 
change was seen, and parents began to accompany their children 
to the school and remain for the other services, especially the 
mothers, so that it was soon generally noised abroad, through the 
settlements in the New Purchase, that the people kept Sunday in 
Indianapolis, and it was especially noticed that strangers coming 
amongst us, particularly those aspiring to office, put on their best 
behavior. 

‘‘The regard of the young for the Sabbath has decidedly im- 
proved. An admonition enforcing the injunction of their teachers 
occurred at an early day, in the sudden death of two of our schol- 
ars, who, in a few hours after leaving school, on a warm summer 
day, yielded to the temptation for a bath in the river, which was 
high; and the younger boy, getting beyond his depth, screamed 
for help from his brother, who, swimming to save him, was caught 
in his death grip and they were both drowned. These scholars 
were colored boys bright and promising. The indifference and 
often ridicule as to any special regard for the Sabbath, in the 
early days, of the whole region, may be better realized from some 
incidents J remember. Soon after being appointed superinten- 
dent of our young Sunday School, I reached the town of Shelby- 
ville, returning from a trip to Lawrenceburg on Saturday even- 
ing, and, feeling that precepts without practice would be of little 
force, I stopped over the Sabbath, and was soon sympathized with 
by old friends—John Walker and others—who, of course, attrib- 
uted my delay to the sickness of my horse or myself. The delay 
at least strengthened the efforts of a pious lady there in sustain- 
ing a Sunday School she was commencing. 

‘‘QOn another trip I reached Marion, Grant County, on my 
way to Fort Wayne, on Saturday night, and next day I found some 


230 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of the young men at the hotel, or log tavern, inquiring of the land- 
lord in the forenoon, if my horse was lame, and finally one of 
the leaders of the jocular crowd, pointing to some birds which 
were flying above us, asked me if I thought they knew it was Sun- 
day, and whether they ought to be shot for flying that day. 

‘‘In those days our national holiday, in this then far West, 
was generally marked by intemperance and rioting, but here, after 
the first few returns of the Fourth of July, the day was greatly 
rescued by large processions of the Sabbath scholars, from all the 
schools in the town and country, marching with the best fife and 
drum music, with waving banners and led by our inspiring mar- 
shal, James Blake, (I had almost written my brother—and I would 
not be so selfish) to the convenient groves, where we listened to our 
national addresses, and the children were treated to rusks and ice 
water. After a few years, however, an alarm was raised by some 
of our extra patriotic people that our example was blotting out 
the glorious objects of the birthday celebration. A decided effort 
was made to occupy the time in the old fashion, believing, doubt- 
less, that our liberties would be lost, if people continued to go to 
bed sober on the Fourth of July, and the interference with our 
Sunday School celebration became serious, until on one occasion 
when the military fever was revived against us, the arm of one of 
our citizens was shot off in firing the cannon, and thereafter the 
morning was yielded to Marshal Blake and his procession, and the 
rest of the day to more general forms of celebration. 

‘‘Mor extending Sunday School blessings to the region around 
us, in 1830, my friend, Henry Bradley, the well-remembered Bap- 
tist brother, with a Presbyterian comrade, devoted his Sabbaths to 
that service, resulting in founding thirty schools in this county and 
in parts of Hendricks and Johnson adjoining. 

‘“A prominent feature in the training of our scholars, under 
the guidance of our leader, Dr. Coe, was to induce their earning 
and contributing means to aid in forming Sunday Schools in the 
opening West, and in sending missionaries abroad to tell the 
heathen of the true God. Thus, quite early, when an application 
came from the Board of Foreign Missions for a missionary printer 
to go abroad, Thomas Brown, one of our oldest scholars, a journey- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 231 


man in the Journal office, cheerfully made an offer of his ser- 
vices, which was accepted; but only a week or two before he sailed, 
he was notified that he must take a wife with him. In this emer- 
gency, having heard that a young lady had just arrived at the Rev. 
Mr. Post’s at Logansport, as a teacher, from the East, we com- 
mended our young friend to the excellent minister, and on the 
third day thereafter, Mr. and Mrs. Brown departed from us on 
their mission, after a crowded meeting on the occasion in the old 
church on Pennsylvania street, which was attended by judges of 
courts, lawyers and other strangers here, with many citizens, ex- 
cited by this strange spectacle in our western woods. 

‘‘But the deepest interest ever awakened as to foreign missions, 
in our Sabbath School and churches, was when, in after years, our 
dear brother L. G. Hay evinced the sincerity of his zeal for the 
salvation of the idolatrous heathen and with his devoted wife and 
a beloved teacher, bade us, as we felt, a final farewell on their de- 
parture as missionaries to the Indies of the East, from which, after 
years of blessed labor for the Master, they were mercifully spared 
to escape from the blood-thirsty Sepoys in the rebellion in North- 
ern India, who had ruthlessly slaughtered other missionaries of 
the same board, with their wives and children; and they are here 
with you today to enjoy this festival of precious memories, while 
still engaged in their Master’s work in their native land. 


‘““We can never fully understand the present until it comes 
back to us in its deeper meaning, when it becomes the long past. 
So will the reviews of the re-united ransomed overflow with de- 
light, which our hearts could not hold, but of which, I am sure, the 
sweets of this day’s memorial feast will give some precious fore- 
tastes. 

‘“You will not be surprised that, while gathering up these, 
fragments from memory’s basket, I have felt some longings ‘for 
the touch of (many) a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice 
that is still.’ Goodbye, 
Washington City, for April 6, 1873. (Signed) James M. Ray.”’ 


Mr. Greene announced that several letters had been received, 
among them one from J. H. B. Nowland, one of the first members 


232 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of the first school, and another from Mrs. P. D. Gurley of Wash- 
ington, wife of one of the early pastors of this city, which could 
not be read for want of time. He then read the following paper: 


HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS 
OF INDIANAPOLIS SABBATH SCHOOLS 


‘‘Seven years ago, on the forty-third recurrence of this anni- 
versary, Mr. James M. Ray prepared a review of the early Sabbath 
School efforts in Indianapolis, embracing every fact of interest 
pertaining to such a history. The presence of that zealous and 
life-long worker in the Sabbath School cause would have added 
much to the interest of this oecasion, and the compiler of the pres- 
ent narrative gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness to the ac- 
curate and elaborate sketch referred to for the principal facts 
now to be presented. 

‘‘Tt is often remarked that the establishment of Sabbath 
schools in Indianapolis was almost simultaneous with the organi- 
zation of the town. The first public sale of town lots took place in 
October 1821. The settlers at that time were few, but sufficiently 
varied in religious belief and various phases of unbelief. The 
town, as Mr. Ray expressed it, was ‘‘locked up in the deep shad- 
ow of the woods,’’ and the preaching of the Gospel was heard only 
when some traveling minister, overtaken by the Sabbath, paused 
in his journey. This lack of Gospel privilege was rapidly tending 
to obliterate the distinction between the Sabbath and other days, 
and one heart among the settlers was deeply engaged to find means 
to arrest the growing desecration. It is hardly being more explicit 
to say his name was Isaac Coe, ‘‘the beloved physician,’’ of his 
day and generation, the savor of whose memory still lingers with 
us, like that of precious ointment. Dr. Coe’s first effort was to 
organize a Bible School of Christian people—what we would now 
call a Bible class of adults—which met at nine o’clock in the morn- 
ing on alternate Sabbaths, at the house of Mr. Lismund Basye, a 
devoted Methodist brother, who, so far as known, is still living, 
residing in the state of Illinois. The first meeting of this class 
was held on the 20th of February, 1822, the exercises consisting 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Doo 


largely of written answers to questions previously assigned by Dr. 
Coe. The meetings of the class continued until broken up by the 
prevailing sickness in the ensuing fall. In the spring of 1823 
efforts were made to organize a Sabbath School proper, for the 
benefit of the children and the young people, and the Indiana- 
polis Gazette of Saturday, April 5th, 1823, contained this notice: 

‘‘The Indianapolis Sabbath School will commence next Sab. 
bath, April 6th, at nine o’clock in the morning, at Mr. Caleb Seud- 
der’s shop. A general and punctual attendance of scholars is re- 
quested, and that they bring with them the Testaments, Spelling 
Books, or such school books as they may have.’’ 

‘‘This is the first of thousands of instances in which ‘Esquire 
Seudder’s cabinet shop’ has been mentioned in connection with 
Indianapolis Sabbath Schools. It stood on or very near the south- 
west corner of the present State House Square, but being of frame, 
not logs, was afterward moved to a site on Delaware street west of 
the present market square. No structure in Indiana, in any way 
connected with religious uses, has been the subject of honorable 
mention more than ‘Esquire Secudder’s Cabinet Shop.’ Would 
that the age of photographs had then already dawned and some 
prescient artist had preserved its semblance, that we young men, 
(that is, in citizenship,) might look upon the ‘counterfeit pre- 
sentment.’ It was the rough, unpolished vase in which were 
placed those buds of truth, which being watered by the tears and 
nourished by the prayers of those devout laborers, have grown into 
the goodly tree whose half-century’s growth we celebrate today, re- 
posing in its benignant shade and partaking of its goodly fruit. 
Mr. Ray, in the narrative already referred to, dwells lovingly and 
appropriately upon the memory of his early co-worker, the pro- 
prietor of the shop, in these words: ‘The cheerfulness with which 
our lately departed brother Scudder prepared his cabinet shop on 
Saturday afternoons is very gratefully remembered by his few 
remaining survivors, as well as his constant fidelity as a religious 
instructor, superintendent and teacher, and especially as the sweet 
singer, leading our songs of public praise for many years.’ 

‘‘Pursuant to the notice in the Gazette the first Sabbath School 
was organized on the 6th of April, 1823. Mr. James M. Ray was 


234 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the first superintendent. Thirty scholars were enrolled at the be- 
ginning, the number increasing to 98 during the year, with an 
average attendance of 40. Those pioneer workers encountered a 
difficulty that is almost as formidable today as then—the lack of 
well-qualified, conscientious, pious teachers. They suppled the 
defect so far as possible by a device which it is believed has never 
been imitated, though to a good degree successful in that instance. 
In addition to their corps of teachers, they organized a board of 
what they styled ‘Religious Instructors’ composed of persons of 
both sexes, who were deemed most mature in religious knowledge 
or Christian experience. Each instructor had the oversight of one 
or more classes and, while the lesson was in progress, took the 
scholars one by one from the class successively, for direct personal 
talk on their spiritual state, aiming to find by careful questioning 
exactly what that state was, and giving such instruction, advice or 
admonition as the case seemed to require, and frequently address- 
ing the entire class at the close of the recitation. Whatever we 
may think of such a measure now, we cannot question the validity 
of its evidence to the real sober earnestness with which those who 
practiced it labored for the salvation of their scholars. They also 
strove in those days to quicken diligence by rewards. The lack of 
common school education made it necessary to admit the spelling 
book as a preparation for the New Testament. The spelling of ten 
words correctly or committing one verse of scripture to memory 
entitled the scholar to a reward of one cent, payable in books; and 
books, such as our Sabbath School libraries teem with now, were 
then quite beyond the means of many families. But by this means 
many children procured themselves miniature libraries, which 
they regarded as above price. But the system was found, as it has 
been before and since, to engender feelings not compatible with 
the Gospel, and was, moreover, considered by some as wrong in 
principle and withal, the expense being burdensome, it was, in 
1831, discontinued. 

‘‘These early efforts in the Sabbath School cause did not fail 
to meet with opposition, and some of the objections urged against 
them sound very odd now. The charge of sectarianism was not 
much urged, being precluded by the fact that every religious de- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 235 


nomination represented in the community was also represented in 
the school, making it in fact as well as in name, a Union Sabbath 
School. But how was it that so many men and women were will- 
ing to spend so much time in visiting families during the week and 
then instructing the children on the Sabbath? ‘Why,’ said some, 
‘they get salaries for it somewhere, and a commission besides for 
every scholar they enroll!’ Others said: ‘No, they are not paid 
regular salaries, but they get a commission on the books they give 
the children.’ Others still, looked deeper below the surface of 
things. It was only a dozen years since the close of the war of 
1812. Some of the settlers remembered that ‘unpleasantness’ with 
the evidences wrought by actual participation in it and believed 
there were traitors in the camps of Israel. The oracles of the vil- 
lage bar-room and the corner grocery announced confidentially 
that the rolls of the school were sent from time to time to England, 
and everyone whose name was found thereon became ‘nolens 
volens’ a subject of the King of Great Britain. ‘Wait a while,’ 
said they, ‘and ye’ll see.’ 

‘But despite these and all forms of opposition, the enterprise 
flourished, many mothers accompanying their somewhat reluctant 
consent for the attendance of their children on the school with an 
expression of the cheerful hope that it would ‘keep them out of 
mischief anyhow.’ 

‘‘The venerable pioneers of that day, however, were not con- 
tent with merely cultivating the home field. In humble, but de- 
vout imitation of the spirit of the Great Apostle, they sought to 
penetrate the ‘regions beyond.’ A committee consisting of Henry 
Bradley, a devoted and intelligent Baptist with a Presbyterian 
associate, was appointed to organize schools in other neighbor- 
hoods. They were afterwards assisted by Ebenezer Sharpe, Caleb 
Seudder and others, and going forth two by two, like the disciples 
of old, carried the Gospel by the Sunday School medium to the 
scattered settlements in the forests of Morgan, Hendricks and Mar- 
ion counties. Many schools were thus gathered by the labors of 
these earnest men, which assembled—when other accommoda- 
tions were not to be had—in the forest shades, God’s first temples, 


236 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


and 
‘The sounding aisles of the dim woods rang 
To anthems of—’ 


God’s praises, sung by those who were thus taught to remember 
their Creator in the days of their youth. It is a matter of thank- 
fulness to be able to say that many of the schools so organized con- 
tinue to this day. 

‘‘The Union School organized, as before stated, in 1823, ex- 
isted as such for over five years. During that period about fifty 
persons appear to have been connected with it as religious instruc- 
tors and teachers. The former class numbered twenty in all. The 
four who were mentioned as still surviving at our anniversary 
seven years ago, we are still permitted to number among the living. 
They are Isaac W. Phipps, Daniel Yandes, Mrs. Paxton and Mrs. 
Alma Coe Sickels. At the same anniversary four teachers were 
announced as still hving: John Wilkins, James Blake, Miss Han- 
son and James M. Ray. Since that day John Wilkins and James 
Blake ‘have crossed the flood.’ It thus appears that out of about 
fifty Christian men and women, who constituted the corps of orig- 
inal Sabbath School teachers in the infancy of our city, six sur- 
vive to witness the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the 
original school. Some of them are with us today and when they 
contemplate the glorious results into which their faith and prayers 
and efforts of fifty years ago have matured, doubtless the spon- 
taneous language of their hearts is ‘What hath God wrought!’ 

‘‘Tf we inquire for the particular elements of the success that 
has attended the Sabbath School cause in our city, we should prob- 
ably be led to the conclusion that the most prominent one is found 
in the system of thorough monthly canvassing of the entire city. 
The plan was originated in 1836, when it was found that 77 per 
cent of the whole number of children in the city were in attendance 
upon all the various schools then existing. After the introduction 
of periodical visiting the number in attendance was found to be 
steadily increasing until it reached ninety per cent in a few years, 
and maintained that ratio for a long time, thus giving us the repu- 
tation of the Banner City in that regard. An important adjunct 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Bat 


of the visiting plan was the Sabbath School monthly concert, held 
on the second Monday evening, when the reports of the visitors 
were presented in a condensed form, facts of interest stated, the 
results of experience set forth, views interchanged, modifications 
examined, and improvements adopted. But as the city extended 
its limits and schools were multiplied, practical difficulties oc- 
curred in the working of the Sabbath School Union, and it was 
finally allowed to dissolve. Perhaps it may be a question whether 
these difficulties ought not to have been surmounted and a system, 
well calculated to promote enthusiasm and fidelity among teach- 
ers, maintained. 

‘“As it is the design of the present narrative to present facts 
only, and not at all to indulge in reflections which might naturally 
be suggested by the subject, it only remains to enumerate the foun- 
dations of the successive schools that have been subsequently 
formed, and to present in a statistical way their present strength 
and condition. 

‘‘The original Union School continued as such until April, 
1828, when, by the formation of another school under denomina- 
tional supervision and the natural withdrawal of those whose 
proper home was in it, the original one took the name of the Pres- 
byterian Sabbath School, and so is the origin of the present one in 
connection with the First Presbyterian Church. 

‘‘The strength of the Presbyterian body in the Sabbath School 
aspect now consists of 13 schools, 255 teachers, 2013 scholars, 
which includes the schools of the United Presbyterian body and 
two missions. 

‘*A summary of all the schools at the present time shows that 
on every Sabbath there assemble in this city for the study of God’s 
word, fifty schools conducted by 957 teachers and embracing 8,488 
scholars. 

‘*Such, then, is the result today of the labor begun in the cabi- 
net shop fifty years ago with thirty scholars. Surely none can 
fail to see that the blessing of the Good Shepherd has all along 
attended the labors that have been expended for the protection 
of the lambs of the flock. To His name be the glory! Fifty years 
from today our successors will celebrate the centennial anniversary 


238 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of the planting of Sabbath Schools in the capital. Doubtless some 
of the little ones who are here today will then rise up among their 
venerable associates and rehearse their vivid reminiscences of this 
day and recount the progress and results of the fifty years now to 
come. Let us hope the results they will then announce shall be 
in augmented proportion to those we have now summed up and 
that the burden of their grateful song may be: ‘The Lord hath 
done great things for us whereof we are glad.’ ’’ 


AN INTERESTING LETTER 


The following very interesting letter from an original member 
of the first school, Mr. J. H. B. Nowland, was among those re- 
ferred to above. The ticket spoken of in the letter is a small piece 
of paper yellow with age, upon which is printed, with a border 
around, the word ‘‘Approbation,’’ very plain in its appearance. 
The letter is as follows: 

‘‘TIndianapolis, Ind., April 6, 1873. 
Hon. E. B. Martindale, Superintendent Sunday School: 
Dear Sir: 

I regret very much that my health will not admit of my attend- 
ing the meeting to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the 
organization of the first Sunday School in this city. I remember 
the circumstances attending the establishment of that school as if 
it were yesterday. I can almost call to mind every person present 
on the first day, but three or four of whom are now living. Fifty 
years ago today I entered that school a boy eight years old and 
did not know one letter of the alphabet, nor do I believe that 
among the ten or twelve boys present there was one boy who could 
spell his own name or would know it should he see it in print. The 
incidents of that day were calculated to make a lasting impression 
on the young mind. The Sunday School had been the topic of 
conversation with the boys of the village for some time. We 
thought it a great innovation upon our present rights. We thought 
that Messrs. Coe, Blake and Ray, who organized the school, were 
assuming power they had no right to. 

‘‘T was assigned to the class of the late James Blake who 
taught me the alphabet as well as to spell and read. In Mr. 


First PRESBYTERIAN. CHURCH 239 


Blake’s class I learned to repeat the Catechism, Lord’s Prayer 
and Ten Commandments. I remained in that school some nine or 
ten years and there learned many useful and instructive lessons. 
The rules at first were very rigid. Any delinquency on the part 
of the scholars was severely reprimanded and reported to their 
parents. One of the rules required that we should attend church 
on the Sabbath, hence Sunday was a day of rest to the ground 
squirrels and rabbits. Birds were left uninterrupted to build their 
nests. The school was at first kept in the cabinet shop of the late 
Caleb Seudder, which was on the South side of the State House 
square. The outside of this building has been preserved in a paint- 
ing by Mr. T. B. Glessing, who painted it for the semi-centennial 
celebration of the selection of the capital. I gave Mr. Glessing the 
idea of the building. 

‘*T enclose a ticket given me by my teacher the first summer of 
the school. This was the only incentive we had to industry and 
punctuality. We had no fine presents, no rides on railroads, no 
annual picnics. I hope the scholars in the present schools will im- 
prove the great advantages they have over those of the first 
school.”’ 

Respectfully yours, 
J. H. B. Nowland.’’ 


At the conclusion of the reading of the sketch the choir sang: 
‘How Lovely are the Messengers Who Teach us the Gospel of 
Peace.’’ Judge Martindale then introduced Rev. Mr. Bayliss of 
Roberts Park M. E. Church, who said he was once a boy himself 
and had stayed in stature somewhere near where he started, but 
he has grown older. ‘‘I know how hard it is for boys to keep quiet 
and I sympathize with you, but I do hope you will keep quiet. I 
will tell you one thing: Fifty years is a long time, but there are 
some in this congregation who were in that Sunday School fifty 
years ago. I would like them to stand up.’’ They did so, and 
were introduced by Mr. Bayliss. ‘‘These are pretty old people, 
but there is one old lady in this audience who was the Sunday 
School teacher of Col. John W. Ray’s mother. The seed of the 
harvest we see before us is very small now. <A few of them are 


240 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


living in other states, but the larger portion of them are gone be- 
yond the river. The harvest of that seed is a large one, if it is 
noisy, but I am glad it is a large one. 

‘‘That first school was a union school, for which I am glad, as 
that was the best plan. The workers in the schools now are of 
different denominations, but we all have a union hope, one Bible 
and one Christ, and we can gather in on an occasion like this in a 
union meeting and mingle our thanks and praise for the first 
school in the city of Indianapolis. Christ is our theology, all in 
all. He wants to come into your hearts and occupy them entirely. 
I want all you children to allow Him to come in and reign there 
this year. Of those in heaven, a large number are children who 
died in their early youth. To join that throng we must love Christ 
cen this earth and be His disciples here. To those older sisters who 
have risen here today, I would say: ‘I mean to meet you on that 
other shore, and may the evening of your life be bright and glor- 
ious, and at its close may we all meet in heaven.’ ”’ 

General Coburn was introduced in a few words by Judge Mar- 
tindale, who spoke of him as one of the early teachers of the 
school, one of whose scholars had developed into one of the best 
superintendents in the city. The General said he hardly knew 
what to say so many recollections of the past came flooding over 
the memory. Of his class—the second in the First Church in 
1834, scholars of Caleb Scudder, one of the best men that ever 
lived—he stands alone the only one living, so far as he knows. 

‘‘The school was held in an old frame building in the rear of 
the present Journal building which has since been torn down. My 
first teacher was Mrs. Wishard, who now lives in Southport. In 
that day we had as many temptations as are around you today. 
The streams were full of fish and the woods were full of game, 
and the boys would rather hunt and fish than go to Sunday 
School. Hence it was that it was with great difficulty the good 
people of that time secured our attendance on the Sabbath 
School. We thought it was very irksome and unjust but now we 
rise up and call them blessed for their labors in our behalf, as you 
will do in the future years if you obey the behests of your parents. 
Remember that those who thus attempt to lead you are older and 





WASHINGTON STREET-1825. 
‘View Looking West from Pennsylvania Street. 


wraved by the Boston Photogravure. Co., 
From an Old Oil Painting. 
(Engraving from an ideal painting by T. B. Glessing, made from de- 
scriptions given by early settlers. On the left is Caleb Scudder’s cabi- 
net shop, where the Union Sunday School was organized and met for 
three months until the Presbyterian Church building was completed. 
The picture of the cabinet shop was painted by the artist from the 
description given him by Mr. J. H. B. Nowland, one of the original thirty 
scholars of the school. Its actual location was farther West in Wash- 
ington Street, on the south side of the State House square.) 











+ 








A 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 241 


know more than you do. In fifty years perhaps not one of this 
throng will be here, but we know that the Sunday Schools shall 
prosper and grow until no church nor theatre will contain them.’’ 
The General said he could not refrain from mentioning a few of 
the public benefactors of Indianapolis who have gone to their 
reward, such men as Dr. Coe, James Blake, Henry Bradley, Cal- 
vin Fletcher, Austin W. Morris and fifty others. ‘‘The hour spent 
in the Sabbath School on the Sundays was a little thing, may be, 
but the influence exerted there shall never be lost in a thousand 
years. In no city of this Union is there so little sectarianism or 
division among the people of God as there is in your own city of 
Indianapolis, and this is largely due to the efforts of such men as 
these I have named, and I would gladly sit at the feet of such again 
and receive instruction.’’ 


Elder W. F. Black was very much pleased to see the interest 
manifested in the Sunday School cause in which we should all be 
interested. ‘‘We have on the earth 1,300,000,000 human beings 
and 250,000,000 families, so many fountains of life, sending water 
to the sea of eternity. Every one of these families, good or bad, is 
constantly adding to the throng of humanity, and the Sunday 
School has much to do with determining the kind of water poured 
into this swelling tide. Among them are many blind families—a 
sad sight, certainly, but there are still sadder sights in this world 
of ours—families who are spiritually blind. And it is the work 
of the Sunday School to open the eyes of these families, and, that 
the water of childhood sent forth from these fountains of life may 
be pure, we must all come into the great army of Sunday School 
workers. 

‘‘Tt is a glorious fact that one-half of the human race is trans- 
lated before reaching the age of accountability, and that one-half 
of the race is saved in the persons of the children. Let us, as 
parents, help in the good work. Let us empty the sinks of vice 
and wickedness and fill them with the oil of righteousness that 
from the mountain tops of our own land may we first behold the 
dawn of a better day.’’ 

Dr. Naylor gave a little of his own experience embraced within 
the last hour or two. He came at the head of his school to the 


242 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL’ 


Academy, but could not gain entrance. They went to the Third 
Church, where an overflow of this meeting was in progress. Mr. 
Naylor wondered whether the Committee of Arrangements of this 
meeting didn’t draw a bigger elephant upon their hands than 
they thought of. They probably didn’t know of the wonderful 
influence of the Sabbath Schools in the city and that not one-third 
of those interested in Sunday School work could gain admittance 
to this Academy. Of this wonderful influence upon our city he 
would speak this afternoon. And there are three reasons that 
moved him to do so. ‘‘A little child shall lead them.’’ This 
prophecy has been fulfilled again and again. Our homes and our 
hearts are ruled by our children. Of the influence of the children 
the speaker gave a few instances. 


‘‘This influence may be seen in its relation to the church. Whe 
are the pious men and women in the church who have been raised 
up in the past fifty years? In every church in this city the vitally 
pious members are those who are to be found in the Sunday 
School. 

‘‘Tt is no wonder that so many persons are interested in the 
Sunday School work, when we consider its influence upon the 
business and commercial character of men. In no other city of its 
size in the country are there so many noble men in business, so 
few dishonest merchants, as in your own city of Indianapolis; and 
this is due largely to the little band of noble spirits who met and 
formed that first Sunday School, and we may congratulate our- 
selves that this mighty influence for good is growing in our 
midst.’’ 

These addresses were interspersed with music by the schools, 
and at their close Mr. Martindale stated that several gentlemen, 
who had been asked to address the meeting, had not been called on, 
but no slight had been intended. The meeting was then closed 
with the benediction by the Rev. C. H. Raymond. 

Upon the stage during the meeting were Mrs. Martin, Mrs. 
Paxton, Mrs. Lange, Mrs. Alma Coe Sickels and Mrs. Wilson, all 
members of the first Sunday School, Mr. B. K. Smith and wife, 
Gen. John Coburn, Rev. T. H. Lynch, Calvin Fletcher, T. H. 
Sharpe and other old and prominent citizens. Upon the sides of 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 243 


the stage hung portraits of Dr. Coe and James M. Ray, and in the 
rear was a painting representing Caleb Scudder’s shop in which 
the first Sunday School was held. 


AT THE THIRD CHURCH 


The meeting at the Third Presbyterian Church was presided 
over by Dr. Parvin, Superintendent of the Third Church Sunday 
School, and was addressed by Revs. Mitchell, of the Fifth Presby- 
terian Church, and Naylor of Meridian Street M. E. Church, Mr. 
Ed. L. Williams and Dr. Parvin. Rev. James Greene read the 
sketch presented by him to the meeting at the Academy. The 
music was under the direction of Mr. A. M. Benham, and the 
meeting passed off very successfully. 


AT THE FIRST CHURCH 


In accordance with announcement made in the afternoon by 
Judge Martindale, the First Church was filled to its utmost capac- 
ity in the evening, the meeting being a continuation of the celebra- 
tion exercises. Mr. Greene read his sketch and all the letters named 
above. Addresses were made by General Benjamin Harrison, 
Rev. Charles Axtell and others, and the occasion formed a fitting 
finale to a day long to be remembered in the Sunday School annals 
of Indianapolis. 


LETTER OF ISAAC N. PHIPPS 


Spring Dale, April 14, 1878. 
To the Committee of Publication: } 


Gentlemen :—I have just received yours of the twelfth request- 
ing me to give some of my recollections relative to the Sabbath- 
school work in this city for the last fifty years.. It would give me 
great pleasure to do so, if I. had been careful and thoughtful 
enough in all these fifty years, to treasure up, in memory, events 
and facts that would now be very interesting. But we had so 
much work to do in moulding society as it came into our village 
from all parts of the Union, and the constant work of training our 


244 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


children in the Sunday School, that we little thought of making 
any record of what we were doing. I have always felt myself 
under great obligation to those noble men and women, many of 
whom are now in their graves, for the pains they took in bringing 
me into the Sabbath-School. I will only mention the names of a 
few that were in the work at the beginning: Dr. Isaac Coe, Caleb 
Seudder, and others, of the Presbyterian Chureh; Henry Bradley, 
Baptist; Robert Brenton, Lismund Basye, George Norwood, and a 
few others of the Methodist Church, and of the noble women, wives 
and daughters of these, my beloved friends. How sweet their 
memory comes back to my heart! But none do I delight to think 
of. more than of Samuel Merrill, one of God’s noblemen, as I was 
with him in the work of forming Sabbath Schools, and as super- 
intendent as well as teacher. Our long acquaintance and labor 
together, only endeared him to me the more as it did to others. 

But I find I shall get away from the object of this communi- 
eation, yet I must be forgiven, for saying that from the day I 
was found wandering through the woods, not then streets, of In- 
dianapolis, to the present day, nearly fifty years, I have never 
missed being in Sabbath-School, at home or abroad, unless I was 
sick. The work has become a part of my life, and to stay away 
from the Sabbath School would leave me as hungry as a week’s 
fast. Blessed habit! It has given me more Bible knowledge, and 
done me more good, than all else besides, and I trust it will soften 
my dying bed. Permit me to add, that now in my 73d year, I am 
at the head of my class to answer to my name at two Sabbath 
Schools on each Sabbath, and love it still. 

When I commenced the work, I knew nothing of what was 
done in Sabbath-Schools, and worked and learned, or rather learned 
and worked. I began with a little class, such as Simon Yandes, 
and others of his age. All the children were under the best of dis- 
cipline, no caste, and no child ever thought he was better than 
another. As Rev. Amos Hanway remarked last Sabbath, in his 
speech at Roberts Park Chapel, he thought no boy bigger than 
himself then, although he may have been higher in stature. Our 
memorable room in which we met! Oh, how I wish it yet stood 
where it did; I would love to go and gaze at its rough furniture. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 245 


But I can remember in the past how it looked. The west end of 
the church, in which were all the children that could then be 
gotten into the Sabbath School, was about twelve feet wide by 
thirty long, cut off from the main building by a swinging parti- 
tion which could be raised in case of need. JI remember the build- 
ing of this, the first church, and we thought it quite a fine house. 
We had occasional preaching in it even before it was finished, 
and as I was then rather boyish in my ways, I was very much di- 
verted at a little incident that occurred just before the ceiling or 
plastering was done, and when we used the floor joist for seats. 
There came a minister, a stranger, and as we had had no preach- 
ing for some time past, I suppose he thought he would give us all 
he knew, that afternoon. He commenced in good time, and con- 
tinued almost as long as St. Paul did on one occasion. I remem- 
ber that as night began to close in, some of our congregation be- 
gan to be very restless, more especially the ladies, as they occa- 
sionally moved from seat to seat, and kept constantly looking up. 
I followed suit, and soon found the cause of their trouble. The 
chickens were gathering to roost, some of which were very large 
roosters. Finding it a little dangerous to remain longer, we left 
the good man to finish his discourse alone. How he came out, or 
when he finished, this deponent saith not. 

Our gathering to the Sabbath School was by the toot of: the 
tin horn, that was blown at the instance of Dr. Coe, but nobody 
else had any right to meddle with that department. Young Max- 
well (now Doctor M., of Mississippi), brother of Ex-Mayor Max- 
well, was our chief blower. I knew his power for blowing, and 
being at the place before Dr. Coe, after waiting, as I thought, long 
enough, I took the tin horn and said, ‘‘ Billy, blow the horn right 
off.’’ That blast cost Billy and me the biggest scare we ever had, 
for it brought the Doctor across from his house and through the 
little wicket gate in a hurry. Billy never blew that horn any more, 
but we didn’t quit the school, for it was a place of much pleasure 
to us. 

It would be quite impossible now to give all the modes of teach- 
ing. Suffice it to say, 1t was the very best for that day. The 
children were mostly of one size; all committed verses, and it was 


246 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


beautiful to hear them recite whole chapters without missing a 
verse. I heard that good man, Mr. Calvin Fletcher, say, years 
after, that it was one of the best modes that could be adopted to 
strengthen the mind. We had no such thing then as infant classes 
separate from the rest, nor had we what we afterwards called 
Bible classes; and as to adults, there were no classes for them. 
But most of us, in and out of the church, attended Mr. Bush’s 
night Bible class, on some night of the week. 

As the three denominations grew in numbers, mostly known as 
Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist, and in time other denomin- 
ations also, they withdrew, and organized churches and schools of 
their own, as they felt able. And I will here just say there were 
quite a number of Episcopalians at that time who surprised us 
when they left us to go to their own church, for we had no idea 
but they were of our persuasion. But the time had come for us to 
separate and work denominationally. The Methodist people said: 
‘“We are able and ought to have our own Sunday School.”’ I 
did not favor it much, but it seemed very agreeable to all, and in 
all kindness we came to the conclusion that on a certain Sabbath 
the Methodist teachers should all meet. at the old hive, and at a 
given signal, step out at the door into the yard, and say, ‘‘ All you 
children who desire to go with the Methodists follow us.’’ Soon 
there was quite a large number in procession. We struck a bee 
line for the old Buckeye Log Church, on Georgia street. When 
we arrived there, what was next to be done, was a puzzling ques- 
tion. None of us had acquaintance with, or knowledge of Sabbath 
Sehool organization, nor any books or other facilities. But we 
were not to be discouraged. We met the next Sabbath, and the 
silliest thing I thought they did was to appoint me superinten- 
dent, and there they kept me for fourteen years. To be in the 
Sabbath School work then was very unpopular. After some years, 
the officers of the various schools met and divided the work of vis- 
iting every house, monthly, by the churches successively, restrict- 
ing such visitors strictly to the work of getting the children to 
attend Sabbath School, never mentioning what Sabbath School, 
and I believe there never was the least cause for complaint on the 
subject. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 247 


It was not always the most agreeable thing to be a visitor, as we 
were oftentimes ordered to leave or had the door shut in our faces. 
But we took it very good-naturedly, and have had the satisfaction 
since of knowing that many who differed from us then, have been 
provoked to good works and have their denominational Sabbath 
School, if for nothing else, in a kind of self defense. 

Our first move from the old Buckeye cabin, was to our new 
brick church, where the Sentinel office now stands. This was built 
with scarcely any money. The brick was laid and partly donated 
by William Ray. The timber was cut by William M. McLaughlin, 
Sr., and others, and hauled in with borrowed horses and wagon by 
the preacher in charge, Rev. Edwin Ray, father of John W. Ray, 
and the work done by all of us. I think there were about ten of 
us shingling at one time. We didn’t want money, for we could 
all work, and did work. 

So in time our Sabbath School was very large, our children 
were very manageable and attentive; we had an excellent book of 
record, and I remember that out of 200 scholars in our Sabbath 
School, I have counted 199 present. After awhile we graded the 
classes, annually, but that created jealousy and we abandoned it. 
We elected each year what were called religious instructors, in con- 
nection with the pastor, whose duty it was to go from class to class 
and give some practical instructions to each child or class. We 
found that to be very beneficial. 

At the annual conference of the M. E. Church, some years 
after, by division of Conference, a portion of our church was left 
without a place of worship, and from necessity built Roberts 
Chapel, after having for two years worshiped in the Court House. 
We left all our Sunday School records with the members of what 
is now Meridian Street Church, and they were lost, which all re- 
gret, as much useful information might be gathered from them. 
Our library books in those early days, were few, but were more 
generally read then, than now. I think we have improved more 
in song and singing, than perhaps in anything else. There are, 
it seems to me, some things sung now by our Sabbath School chil- 
dren that are as near heaven as it is possible for mortals to attain. 

Most of our old people remember the old fashioned manner of 


248 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


celebrating the 4th of July. The most common way was the roast- 
ing of a large ox, for a feast for everybody; a sort of free and 
easy carousal, after the reading of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, an oration, ete., often ending in drunkenness and mischief. 
To avoid this, and teach our children the more sensible way, and 
give the rising generation to understand what was meant by cele- 
brating the 4th of July, all the Sabbath Schools were notified be- 
forehand that a great day was to be had on the 4th for the 
Sabbath School children, all to meet early on the morning of that 
day, provided with banners appropriate for the occasion, and 
at a given hour to march out and take their places as designated by 
the Marshal, Mr. James Blake; and the streets were soon filled with 
beautifully dressed boys and girls, admired by thousands of spec- 
tators. Great order was maintained until the place was reached 
selected for that purpose. 

All being seated, each school to itself, all quieted, the Declara- 
tion of Independence was read, after which the orator of the day 
was introduced, (generally some young man), and I must say 
seldom if ever did the people listen to more eloquent and appro- 
priate orations, both instructive and useful. But I forgot to say 
that the exercises were always opened by singing and prayer. 
After the oration, came the feast of rusks and other little nick- 
nacks. The whole was closed by short addresses, and then each 
school marched back under the guidance of its own superintendent, 
to its place of starting, and was dismissed. All enjoyed it well. 
The old regulars of the 4th of July didn’t like it much at first, but 
they soon agreed with us that it was the most proper way of cele- 
brating the day. I am led to say while I write, that I ardently 
recommend to all our Sabbath-Schools to try it again on the coming 
4th of July. I can yet see the smiling faces of Dr. Coe, James 
Blake, James M. Ray, Austin W. Morris, Wm. Hannaman, John 
Wilkins, Professors Wheeler and Downey, and sometimes Governor 
Wright, and also of Mrs. Paxton, Mrs. Richmond, Mrs. Givan, Mrs. 
Andrew Brouse, and many others that I cannot name now who 
are resting from their labors, and their works do follow them. 

Yours, 
LN PHIBPS: 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 249 


P. S. Our first grove used for celebration, was on the high 
ground where the McOuat family now lives. 


LETTER FROM C. GOUDY, M. D. 
Taylorsville, Ill., April 4, 1873. 


INDIANAPOLIS—AND ITS EARLY SUNDAY-SCHOOLS 


The first settlement of Indianapolis dates about the year 1821. 
The first Sunday School was organized April 6th, 1823, in Seud- 
der’s cabinet shop, located on the south side of Washington 
street, opposite the State House, it is said with 10 teachers and 
60 or 70 scholars. This was one among the early Sunday-schools 
in the Valley of the Mississippi. The present aids, helps and sur- 
roundings of Sabbath Schools did not then exist; it required brains 
and skill to originate and successfully engineer a school. This 
enterprise was conducted by Dr. Isaae Coe, Colonel James Blake, 
James M. Ray, Caleb Scudder, and other resolute and determined 
spirits, who, in advance of their day, did much to mold and shape 
the early moral and religious sentiment of Indianapolis. This was 
the only school till in 1828, the Methodist Episcopal church organ- 
ized one in the old hewed log house, between the now Union Depot 
and Washington Street. This was before their first church build- 
ing was erected on the Governor’s Circle. The third school was 
organized by the Baptist society, in 1833, under the superinten- 
dency of Squire Bradley. 

The writer entered the old ‘‘Union Sunday School’’ in 1826, 
some three years after its organization—forty-seven years ago! 
The sound of this makes one feel a little ancient, and as though we 
had got on the uncertain list, when in reality we feel quite juven- 
ile! Then, the school was held in the new frame Presbyterian 
church, with its little belfry, and a triangle in it, to answer the 
place of a bell, located a few yards north of Mrs. A. F. Morrison’s 
residence. It is to be regretted that a picture of the building, 
around which cluster so many endearing memorials, was not se- 
cured. My first teacher was Mr. Henry Porter, followed by Mr. 
John Douglass (one of the publishers of the Journal), Samuel 
Merrill, Esq., then State Treasurer, and others. Some of my 


250 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


classmates were Simon Yandes, Edward Porter, Gen’! Thos. A. 
Morris, James Yandes, Ensley F. Goudy, Robert Goudy, Thos. 
Brown, William Eaglesfield, and others. There were many in the 
lower classes that I would like to name, but space forbids. Some 
of these have gone to the spirit land, and others distinguished 
themselves in the different spheres of life. 

But to return to the old church. The school was held at 2 
o’clock P. M. It was convened by the blowing of a long tin horn, 
and, occasionally, to be a little aristocratic, the triangle was rung! 
You, citizens of today, with your great sounding, pealing bells, 
may smile at this, but the sound was more impressive to the people 
of the village of 800 inhabitants, than are the bells to Indianapo- 
lis of today with its 60,000 people! Then, its chief officers and 
directors were Dr. Coe, Father Sharpe, Colonel Blake, with its 
youthful Secretaries, James M. Ray and Thos. H. Sharpe. The 
singing was on the old style, led by Mr. Scudder, the chorister of 
the church. We did not have the nice music books and sing the 
beautiful bird-like songs, supported by an organ, as do the chil- 
dren of these modern days. In music your schools of today excel, 
but in other respects are questionable. 

The old Union school was conducted on the system of memor- 
izing the Catechisms and Scriptures, and the giving of rewards for 
the number of verses recited, in the shape of Bibles, Testaments 
and tracts. Everything was conducted with system and great 
regularity. For convenience, the classes were divided into grades 
—the first recited 50 verses; the second 40 verses, &. There was 
considerable emulation in the school, but rather of a commendable 
character. | 

Another feature in those days, everybody had to endure the 
eurse of Adam—work—work! And I, myself, was not an excep- 
tion. I had to make my Testament my traveling companion, and 
often memorize my 50 verses for the Sabbath as I drove my oxen 
and cart in hauling brick and sand, and not unlikely with ‘‘my 
Testament fastened on the yoke of the oxen,’’ as a friend is pleased 
to express it. 

The school had two grades of teachers—one to take care of the 
classes and hear the recitations, and the other, styled ‘‘religious 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 251 


instructors,’’ whose duty it was to impart religious instruction 
after the first teachers had finished, and devote a portion of the 
time each day in conversing with each scholar individually and 
alone. This system of individuality in teaching, was productive of 
great good. It was in imitation of that practiced by our Savior, 
and it is to be regretted that it is not more practiced in the pres- 
ent day. It was a direct and effective means of bringing children 
to Jesus. In the great revival, under Rev. Mr. Moreland, in 1830, 
numbers of the scholars confessed Him, and 16 of the young con- 
verts were made teachers in the Sabbath School. This rendered 
the work much more effective. Much of this work of grace was 
traceable to the faithful teachings of these ‘‘Religious Instruc- 
Lore; 

Again, Col. Blake used to exercise a general supervision over 
the school, as a ‘‘looker on in Venice.’’ I can, at this date, see him 
in my ‘‘mind’s eye,’’ standing at the head of the school, at its 
close, lending an approving smile as the secretaries read out each 
scholar’s verses, when they did well, and the reverse if they failed 
in duty. It too had its effect. Col. Blake was one of the teachers, 
served repeatedly as superintendent, and filled a very important 
part in the ‘‘cirele of duties.’’ He furnished ‘‘the sinews of war.’’ 
His ginseng trade called him annually to the East—no small 
undertaking in those days to cross the mountains. But it was a 
good thing for our Sunday School, for he always came back laden 
with the rich improvements in the Sunday School literature of 
that day. In 1827, through him, we introduced the Judson Series 
of Question Books, then, something new, and the new Library 
Books, issued by the American S. 8. Union. To secure regular 
attendance, tracts were extensively used, but the library was the 
main reliance as a reward to secure attendance, diligence and 


obedience. The ‘‘religious instructors’’ decided who were meri- 
torious and deserving of the privilege of the library. The whole 
class would be called to the head of the school to select the 
books; but often it turned out that only one or two would be en- 
titled to receive them, the others being told very significantly that 
they had failed in duty, and went to their seats keenly smarting 


Pe CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


under the deprivation. This system was beneficial and had its 
effect. To be deprived of the library was a severe punishment. 

When, therefore, we take into view the state of society at that 
early period, the success of that old Sabbath School was wonder- 
ful, and I doubt very much whether the schools of to-day, in In- 
dianapolis, with all the modern appliances, have much improved 
upon the early school of the ‘‘Beech Woods!”’ 

I will close my already lengthened communication, by giving 
a brief sketch of one or two of its early celebrations, held on the 
4th of July. The first was in 1829, when the great State of Indi- 
ana contained about 300,000 inhabitants, and its capital 1,125 
people, the Sunday Schools of the town and country assembled to 
celebrate the Nation’s birth. The procession under the marshal- 
ship of Col. Blake, was about half a mile long, the children being 
arranged four abreast, as to size; at its head was an improvised 
band, composed of stringed instruments, the violin, fife, and such 
like, led by Mr. Seudder. As the procession moved along Wash- 
ington street, eastward from Meridian street, they fiddled and 
the children sang Pleyel’s Hymn— 


‘‘Children of the Heavenly King, 
As ye journey, sweetly sing.’’ 


If it was a long time ago, it was nice and imposing in appear- 
ance. The Governor of the State was one of the procession, thus 
lending his official influence, in those early days, in the support 
of the great Sunday-School cause. Like Chief Justice Marshall, he 
esteemed it an honor to head a Sunday-School procession. Judge 
Holman, one of Indiana’s favored sons, never visited the capital 
of the State on duty, but he visited the old Union Sunday School, 
and always had a cheering word for the scholars and teachers. 
The dignity and influence of such men was felt in those days. But 
we digress. Let us return to the procession. It moved from Wash- 
ington street to the woods, east of the court house. James Morri- 
son, Esq., then Secretary of State, made the address. Then, were 
handed around the refreshments, consisting of one of old Jerry 
Collin’s ‘‘light rusks,’’ to each one, with a plentiful supply of 
‘‘eold sparkling water.’’ 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BOD 


In 18380, the observance of the 4th of July was repeated. It 
was held in the old M. EK. brick church on the Governor’s Circle. 
It was estimated that there were about 1,200 persons present. 
This was considered a great ‘‘turn out’’ where the population of 
the village was only a little over 1,100 inhabitants. 

The exercises of the day, were: 1. Prayer by Rev. Mr. More- 
land, of the Presbyterian church, and Rev. Mr. Hitt, of the M. E. 
ehurch. 2. The Declaration of Independence was read by Sam- 
uel Merrill, Esq. 3d. Addresses by Judge B. F. Morris and 
James M. Ray, Esq. After the usual refreshments, the assembly 
dispersed, well pleased with this method of celebrating the 4th. 

I might write pages of incidents and reminiscences of those 
early days, but I close, regretting my inability to be personally 
present and participate in the glorious memories of the 50th anni- 
versary of the old Union Sunday School of the Beech Woods! 

C. GOUDY. 


LETTER FROM MRS. PHINEAS D. GURLEY 


937 N Street, Washington, D. C. April 2, 1873. 
Rev, Lb. G. Hay: 

My dear Friend:—Mr. Ray* informs me you are soon to eele- 
brate the semi-centennial of the Sabbath School connected with the 
First Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis. I cannot suffer the 
interesting occasion to pass without adding my humble testimony 
to the great, lasting, and ever-increasing benefits which have re- 
sulted from that institution. 

More than thirty years have passed since I first went to your 
pleasant city, and among all the precious memories of these years, 
none are more precious or vivid than those connected with that 
Sabbath School. The faithful, scriptural instructions there im- 
parted and received, were a powerful aid to the pulpit and pastoral 
labors of your noble young pastor—my precious and now sainted 
husband. Especially did he prize the catechetical labors of those 
teachers; and during all his subsequent life, he not only cherished 
their memory, but was accustomed to allude to superintendent and 
teachers as models for any school. 





*James M. Ray. 


254 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Ah, my dear sir, we may never know how many have been led 
to Christ through the blessed instrumentality of that school. Many 
of the dear teachers have gone home to their rest and their reward, 
and doubtless they have, ere this, met many in glory who were led 
thither by their personal efforts and prayers. 

He who was for so many years its honored and faithful super- 
intendent, survives, and here in this city may be found each Sab- 
bath day, laboring in the same blessed cause! May ‘‘his last days 
be his best days,’’ and when he, too, shall have finished his work, 
may he meet an abundant entrance into that rest where many stars 
await his crown of rejoicing. What a glorious meeting will that be, 
my brother, when superintendent, teachers, pastors, friends, all, 
meet in that home, to go no more out forever! May you and I, 
and all our dear ones be there! 

Your ‘‘sorrowing and yet always rejoicing’’ friend, 

(signed) Emma G. Gurley. 


FOURTH OF JULY* 

Early in the morning, the streets began to be crowded with 
children collected from the numerous Sabbath Schools, recently 
established in various parts of the county, accompanied by their 
parents and teachers. About 10 o’clock parents, teachers and 
children, of town and country, repaired to the Presbyterian and 
Methodist Meeting-Houses, for the purpose of being organized 
and put in readiness to join in procession and march to the ground 
selected for the exercises of the day. At 11 o’clock a line was 
formed in front of each of the Meeting-Houses, which met in the 
Circle between, where they were united in one grand procession. 
* * * The whole under the direction of Mr. JAMES BLAKE, 
marshal of the day, who was assisted by many other gentlemen, 
both in forming the procession, and keeping in order the immense 
number of children of which it was partly composed. The pro- 
cession marched from the ground on which it was formed, through 
Washington street, to a beautiful sugar-tree grove, adjoining the 
town on the east side, where a stand and seats had been previously 
provided. After a respite of a few minutes, during which the 
children were furnished with water, the exercises commenced. * * * 


*For first celebration, 1822, see page 435. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT 


Refreshments, consisting of cakes and water, were then served 
to the whole company, in their seats, and without producing any 
confusion; after which they were again formed into line, and 
marched, by the same route, to the place from which they started, 
and dismissed. 

Various estimates have been made of the number of persons on 
the ground. The number of those who marched out in the proces- 
sion to the grove was ascertained by actual count, to exceed 1200, 
of which more than 600 were children. This number was rather 
increased than diminished as the company returned to town. In 
addition to these, there were some hundreds who did not join in 
the procession. The whole number, it is generally supposed, ex- 
ceeded 1500. 

It was a matter of surprise as well as delight to witness the de- 
portment of the children on this occasion. It might readily be 
imagined, by those who have not witnessed the effects of Sabbath 
School instruction, that a collection of little boys and _ girls, 
amounting to 600 in number, many of whom were not more than 
five or six years of age, would exhibit little else than disorder and 
confusion. Very different, however, was the scene which we are 
attempting to describe. We believe we do no more than give the 
opinion of those who were present, when we say, that there has 
rarely been seen a greater degree of harmony or more decorous 
behavior at any similar collection of an equal number of grown 
persons. 

It was highly interesting, also, to observe the alacrity with 
which the ladies joined in the procession, and underwent the 
fatigues incident to the occasion; and the order and good taste 
which they exhibited, both in forming and in marching. Their 
presence and example, we doubt not, had a powerful effect in en- 
livening and animating the scene, and in producing order and 
decorum throughout the proceedings. They certainly added much 
to the beauty of the procession. (Indianapolis Journal, July 9, 
1829.) 

CELEBRATION 


Agreeably to previous arrangement, the Anniversary of our 
National Independence was celebrated on Saturday last, by the 


256 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Sabbath Schools of this county, together with the citizens gener- 
ally, who could make it convenient to attend, and who united with 
great apparent unanimity and friendly feeling. The day was 
ushered in by firing a National Salute. After this wagons and 
carriages, loaded with children and their friends, came pouring in 
from every direction, until about 10 o’clock, when the procession 
commenced forming. Mr. James Blake officiated as Chief Mar- 
shal, assisted by Cols. Kinnard, Russell and several others. At 
about 11 o’clock the procession was completed, being all four 
abreast, and in the following order. 


. Artillery. 
. Ladies and Female Teachers. 
Four Female Teachers and Banner. 
Female Scholars, smallest in front. 
Musie. 
. Four Male Teachers and Banner. 
. Male Scholars, smallest in front. 
. Two clergymen, Reader, Orator. 
. Superintendents, Teachers, ete. 
10. Citizens, four abreast. 


bho 


TL Ot ow 


So 


The procession was formed at the Governor’s Circle, in the 
centre of Indianapolis, and moved along Washington street to a 
beautiful grove at the upper end of town. It consisted in all of 
between 1200 and 1300 persons, of which between 600 and 700 
were children, and was about a half mile in length. After the 
children and most of the citizens were seated, the exercises were 
eommenced. A prayer was offered to the Throne of Grace by the 
Rev. Mr. Hawkins, the Declaration of Independence read by 
Ebenezer Sharpe, an oration by James Morrison, and a con- 
eluding prayer by the Rev. Henry Brenton. The oration consisted 
of a narrative of the causes which led to the Revolution, and other 
remarks adapted to the occasion, and a History of Sabbath Schools 
and their numerous advantages. The exercises at the grove were 
in the following order. 1. Music. 2. Hymn. 3. Prayer. 4. 
Hymn. 5. Declaration. 6. Music. 7. Address. 8. Music. 
9. Hymn.. 10. Prayer. 11. Hymn. 12. Music. 





Dr. Coe’s home on the Governor’s Circle (now Monument Circle). The house was built in the early thirties and stood on 
the site of the Columbia Club. The board fence in the foreground surrounded the lawn of the Governor’s Mansion, which 
occupied the site of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. 


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First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 257 


After the exercises were concluded, refreshments were handed 
round to all present, being near two thousand in number. Nothing 
occurred to mar the general harmony, and although the fare was 
quite simple, and spirits prohibited, we have no hesitation in say- 
ing that but few companies of equal number ever enjoyed so great 
an aggregate of human happiness. Parents and children, hus- 
bands and wives, friends and relations all participated in the gen- 
eral joy. To the philanthropist, this was a sight that could not 
fail to excite the noblest feelings of the human heart—the eye 
seemed to look down the vista of time when the children assembled 
would be occupying the stations of fathers and statesmen, and 
spoke but too plainly to those engaged in the work of education, to 
go on in their laudable undertaking, and the liberties of our happy 
country will be perpetual. 

After the report, the procession again formed, as before, and 
returned to the Governor’s House, where it was dismissed. At 3 
o’clock the people were gratified in witnessing the ascent of an 
air balloon from the Court House square, which departed to the 
south, after ascending to a considerable height. The effects of 
this celebration will be long felt, in the promotion of morality, 
education, temperance and religion.—(Indianapolis Gazette, July 
9, 1829). | 
SABBATH SCHOOL 


Anniversary Celebration of American Independence, July 4, 1846 
Order of Procession and Exercises 


1. Sabbath Schools to assemble at the first ringing of the bells, 14 
before 7 o’clock A. M. 

2. The forming of the procession to commence at each School, at 
the second ringing of the bells, 14 past 7 o’clock. The Schools 
to march to Circle street under the direction of their respec- 
tive Superintendents, who are Assistant Marshals, and form 
into line in the order to be designated by the Marshal 

3. ORDER OF PROCESSION. 1. The Schools to march in 
front, preceded by music. 2. The Orator, Reader, and Offi- 
ciating Clergy. 3. The Clergy. 4. The citizens generally, two 
deep. 


258 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ORDER OF EXERCISES ON THE GROUND AT THE STATE HOUSE SQUARE 


1. Prayer by Rev. A. H. Myers. 

2. SABBATH SCHOOL HYMN. Air—‘‘Missionary Hymn.”’ 

3. Music. 

4. Reading of the Declaration of Independence by Mr. Henry 
Jamison. 

5, INDEPENDENCE HYMN. Air—‘‘Ortonville.’’ 

6. Music. 

7. Oration by Mr. Obadiah Brown. 

8. Hymn—TEMPERANCE TRIUMPH, in the ‘‘No License’’ Victory 
in Marion County. Air—‘‘ Missionary Hymn.’’ 

9. Music. 

10. Refreshments. 

11. Benediction by Rev. Mr. Cressey. 

The Marshal will meet the Assistant Marshals (being one from 
each School), in front of the First Presbyterian Church at 7 
o’clock A. M. 

Messrs. Andrew Smith and John Elder will receive and arrange 
the seating of the procession at the square. 

ANDREW Brouss, Marshal. 


RECOLLECTIONS OF MRS. JULIA M. MOORES 


As early as 1829 there were in Indianapolis three churches— 
the Baptist,* at the corner of Maryland and South Meridian streets ; 
Wesley Chapel,** at the corner of North Meridian and the Circle; 
and the Presbyterian, in Pennsylvania street, near the center of 
the first square north of Market. The latter was a frame build- 
ing, costing, with the lot, $1600. The house was built before the 
church was formed, but on July 5, 1823, an organization of fifteen 
members was completed, and on the following day possession was 
taken of the new building. * * * The lecture room, which was 
rented for day school, was a part of the main building, but shut 
off from it by wooden doors, which, when it became necessary to 
throw the rooms together, were raised and fastened to the ceiling 
by iron clamps. I recollect when a little child, too young as yet 


*Hrected in 1829. **Hrected in 1829. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 259 


to go to church or to attend school regularly, going as a visitor 
with my sisters. I entertained myself by climbing on a seat, and 
on my knees peeping through a crack in the great door. The eeil- 
ing of the main room was painted a light blue, after the style of 
the Hollanders of New York. In my childish innocence, heaven 
itself could not surpass the beauty before me. But as I grew older 
and arose to the dignity of attending Sunday services, the room 
devoted to worship was not found to be so lovely. 

The building was set back in the yard, and there were two 
front doors in Pennsylvania street. The high pulpit was between 
these doors. The aisles ran through the main room back to the 
lecture room. The pews were dark, with a ledge of darker wood 
at the top. They were cushionless. There was no carpet. Those 
were not the days when the service of God was softened or made 
easy to the Christian. As to lights—Deuteronomy Jones says: 
‘They ain’t nothin’ more innercent than a lighted candle—kep’ 
away up on the wall out o’ the draft, the way they is in church’’: 
and our church was lighted with tallow candles in tin sconces on 
the wall. There was a small gallery over the school in which seats 
were provided for the few colored people who had followed their 
masters from Kentucky or Virginia and who lived and died in ser- 
wieginss. * 

In close connection with the church of whatever denomination 
in the early days was the Sunday School, where the children might 
be trained early in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The 
first Sunday School, was undenominational, and was held in the 
cabinet shop of Caleb Scudder on Washington street. This was be- 
fore my day, but I recollect the kind of terror I felt on passing 
the door of the shop. This aforesaid door was painted green and 
filled with broad-headed, hand-wrought nails for the purpose, it 
was said, of turning the edges of the hatchets of the Indians, and 
thus obtaining safety from their assaults. The little shop stood for 
years, and was always associated in our childish minds with the 
first Sunday School and the frightful Indian. Afterwards the 
Union Sunday-School was held in the Presbyterian church. But 
as soon as superintendent and teachers could be obtained each de- 
nomination went to itself. * * ™* The library was made up of 


260 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


books published by the American Sunday School Union. My mem- 
ory still holds in sweet possession such stories as ‘‘Anna Ross,’’ 
‘*Ruth Lee and the Persecuted Family,’’ and ‘‘Henry and His 
Bearer.’’ ‘‘Pilgrim’s Progress’’ and ‘‘The Holy War’’ were 
great treasures. 


There was one gala day in the year. This was the Fourth of 
July. It was a grand affair, and how we looked forward with 
longing and hope, and backward—well, I will not spoil the glory 
by painfully recalling the long march through the hot sun, the 
tired feet, the dusty streets, the pretty white dresses all soiled and 
torn, and the weeds! We found rest and delight in some beauti- 
ful grove where perhaps some Revolutionary Hero sat as figure- 
head on the platform, and some embryo student gave us his views 
on the growth of the country. After the oration we were regaled 
with cold well water and rusks from the crude bakery. Then with 
screams of delight we all joined in singing: 


‘Oh, say, can you see by the dawn’s early light?’’ 


Who that ever participated can ever forget the proud bearing 
of Mr. James Blake as he led forth this army of young heroes to 
glorify our country and Independence Day? I recollect two girls 
from the backwoods shouting out as he galloped back and forth 
with his gay trapping and prancing steed: ‘‘See! see how he looks 
like Napoleon Bonaparte.”’ 


RECOLLECTIONS OF MRS. JANE KETCHAM 


‘The first Presbyterian Church was on Pennsylvania Street, 
about half way between Market and Ohio. It was so far back that 
the rear end, the school room, was on the alley. From the gates 
it was very pretty rising ground, grassy to the front doors. One 
smallish window was high up over the pulpit which was between 
the two front doors, the gable end toward the street. Two aisles 
ran down from the doors. Two rows of seats in the middle, and 
one on the north and one on the south side, The back part or 
school room was shut off by a kind of water-gates. When the 
church was finished, these were raised and the aisles ran through 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 261 


little gates. Pews were in the church, but here the seats were 
without any backs. A row of desks all around the west and north 
sides dignified it into a school room. The ceiling of the church 
went to the roof, but this was low, and the space above was open 
to the church, with seats, but so dark no choir ever sat there. The 
whole was an original specimen of architecture, especially the bell 
tower. Surely there never had been so funny a little thing. The 
steps ran up out of the school room, and it was the delight of the 
boys to ring the bell, and the girls to hear. The stove in this room 
was a long, high one with the door and hearth in one end. I have 
seen, for punishment, two culprits standing on the top of this 
stove and one on the hearth.’’ 


*Note: [Copy from Original Manuscript of Report of Meeting of 
Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Sabbath School Society, March 
31, 1826.] 


At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Sabbath 
School Society, held at the school room in Indianapolis on the 31st day 
of March, 1826—present: Isaac Coe, president; Rev. Mr. Barnes, 2d vice- 
president; James Blake, treasurer; J. M. Ray, secretary; directors, Rev. 
George Bush, Lismund Basye, J. B. Ray, Henry Bradley. 

The Board proceeded to the election of officers of the school for the 
ensuing quarter, whereupon James Blake is appointed 1st superintendent; 
James M. Ray, 2d superintendent, and Benjamin J. Blythe 3d super- 
intendent. 

Committee for Religious Instruction: Mr. Scudder, Dr. Coe, Mrs. 
Bush, Mrs, Bates. 

Publishing Committee: Mr. Bush, Mr. Barnes, Dr. Coe. 

Visiting Committee: Mr. Basye, Mr. Bradley, Mrs. Paxton, Mrs. 
Osborn. 

The following teachers are appointed for the ensuing quarter: 
Messrs. Brown, Noel, Coburn, Bradley, Phipps, Porter, McGuire, Russell, 
Morris, McKinney; Misses Maria and Alma Coe, Anderson, Mitchell, 
Northrop, Frazier, Hanson, Nowland, Hawkins, McGeorge, Susan and 
Harriet Walpole, McCulley. 

Resolved, That a Library be established for the school; 

Resolved, That the purchasing committee form the “Library Com- 
mittee,” who shall have the power of adopting a code for the manage- 
ment thereof and for all its regulations, to appoint a Librarian, and make 
by purchase such seasonable additions to the present books on hand as 
the state of the funds may seem to authorize, and also to receive dona- 
tions. It shall be the duty of the said committee to report at the next 
meeting their proceedings under this regulation. 

Resolved, That the superintendents and committee of religious in- 
struction shall have the power of fixing the time of holding the school 
during the ensuing quarter. 

And the meeting is adjourned. 

ISAAC COR, President. 


) 


CHAPTER VII 


HISTORICAL DISCOURSE BY REV. JAMES GREENE* COV- 
ERING ORGANIZATION IN JULY, 1823 TO 
NOVEMBER 12, 1876 


Behold! I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls 
are continually before me.—Isaiah XLIX:16. 


The history of this church has its origin at a period only about 
two years later than the organization of the town itself. The Leg- 
islature, at its session in January, 1820, appointed a commission 
of ten persons to select a site for the capital of the state. Only 
five accepted the trust. These gentlemen, after examining vari- 
ous localities, finally settled upon two, one of which they agreed 
should be their final choice. These were the mouth of Fall Creek, 
and the Bluffs of White River. After thorough examination of 
both, and abundant discussion of the advantages afforded by each, 
they proceeded to determine the question by vote, when the present 
locality was chosen by a majority of one. The Legislature, at its 
session in January, 1821, confirmed the choice of the commission- 
ers, and at the suggestion of the late Judge Sullivan, of Madison, 
one of the committee appointed to draw up the Bill of Confirma- 
tion, conferred upon the infant capital its euphonious and appro- 
priate name. 

As soon as this important measure was adopted, population 
began to gather in, and amongst the earliest settlers were a few 
Presbyterian families. The first sermon from a Presbyterian Min- 
ister was preached by Rev. Ludwell G. Gaines, a missionary from 
Ohio, on the 21st of August, 1821. The service was in the open 
air, under the shade of a spreading walnut, near the southwest 
corner of Washington and Mississippi streets. The youthful chor- 
ister of that service, not long since passed away in the person of 
the venerable and esteemed Col. Samuel D. Maxwell. 
ae *(Note. Sketch of Rev. James Greene at close of this discourse, page 

262 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 263 


Mr. Gaines appears to have spent but one Sabbath with the 
infant settlement, and the next ministerial visitor was Rev. David 
C. Proctor, who came in May, 1822, as a missionary of the Con- 
necticut Missionary Society. He spent one week here, preaching 
several times, and so far to general acceptance, that measures were 
taken to secure his services for one-half the time, from the first 
of October following. During this interval, Rev. Isaac Reed, a 
missionary under the Presbyterian Board of Missions, visited the 
locality and preached on several occasions. He was a man of very 
moderate abilities, but of commendable zeal and industry in the 
Master’s work. He was much addicted to publishing narratives 
of his tours and other autobiographical matter, and left two or 
three small volumes of-such literature. 


On the first of October, Mr. Proctor returned in pursuance of 
the engagement made with him in the previous May, which, how- 
ever, was modified so as to secure three-fourths of his time, in con- 
sideration of which, he was to receive $400, or it was discreetly 
provided, ‘‘so much of it as could be collected.’’ At the expiration 
of the year thus stipulated for, the congregation did not desire to 
retain Mr. Proctor’s services longer, and he left. Subsequently 
he married in Virginia, and soon after removed to Kentucky, and 
spent the remainder of his life in that state. He died January 
17, 1865. 

In his ministry with this infant church, Mr. Proctor gave a 
promise of usefulness that was hardly redeemed by his riper years. 
He was well furnished by education for his work, and at the be- 
ginning of his career, manifested enthusiasm in it. Becoming pos- 
sessed of a considerable estate, however, by his marriage, the care 
and increase of it divided his time more than evenly with the work 
of the ministry. His preaching lost its vitality and force. It does 
not appear that he was ever settled as a pastor, though usually 
preaching to one or more small churches in his vicinity. He was 
distant and frigid in his manners, and formal in his speech; thus 
failing to add by personal influence to the effect of his ministra- 
tions, and falling below the measure of usefulness that might justly 
have been expected of him. 

During Mr. Proctor’s ministry, efforts were made to secure a 


264 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


house of worship. A subscription was set on foot and $1,200 
pledged to the object. A frame building, fifty-four feet by thirty- 
four was erected on part of the spot now covered by the Talbott 
Block, on North Pennsylvania street. The building was begun 
in May, (1823), and so far completed as to permit of public wor- 
ship being held in it on the first Sabbath of the following July. 
The building committee consisted of Dr. Isaac Coe, James Blake 
and Daniel Yandes—the last still living, a hale and active octo- 
genarian. The committee discharged their trust vigorously, but 
found that the amount subscribed would be deficient several hun- 
dred dollars. But the wit of pioneers becomes sharpened by exi- 
gencies, and the committee was equal to this emergency. Dr. Coe 
and Mr. Blake* carried forward the work to completion, the car- 
penters agreeing to take their orders on Mr. Nicholas McCarty, 
the only merchant in the village, for goods, and Mr. McCarty gen- 
erously agreeing to honor such orders and wait the convenience of 
the committee for payment. The inconvenience growing out of the 
scarcity of money was thus overcome, and a neat and convenient 
house of worship, suited to the day and to the people, was erected 
and completed. The cost of the building and the ground was 
$1,600. 

Hitherto mention has been made of the material fabric only. 
The policy of these sturdy builders of ‘‘the church in the wilder- 
ness’’ was different from that most generally adopted. It is 
common first to organize the body of believers into a church, and 
then to erect for it, with such expedition as may be, the material 
and local habitation. The founders of this church adopted the 
opposite course, and built a house for God, before there was a 
church to occupy it. They were not, however, any less diligent in 
the completion than in the inception of their plan. On Saturday, 
July 5th, 1823, a church organization was effected, eight persons 
presenting letters of dismission from other churches, and seven 
being received on examination, making the total of the original 
membership fifteen. Rev. Mr. Proctor was assisted on this occa- 
sion by Rev. Isaac Reed, already mentioned, by Rev. William Mar- 
tin and by Rev. Ezra Day, who arrived here on that date. The 


*(Note 2. See + page 204.) 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 265 


organization was effected in the celebrated cabinet shop of Caleb 
Scudder, where, also, preaching was held during the summer. Dr. 
Coe and Mr. Scudder were elected elders, and the following day 
being Sabbath, July 6th, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was 
administered in the new church. On July 7th, the church, by vote, 
requested to be taken under the care of the Presbytery of Louis- 
ville, at that time the nearest and most convenient one. During 
the same month a weekly prayer meeting was begun, and thus the 
infant church, (its founders having been for a year past active 
workers in the Union Sabbath School,) was fully equipped and 
furnished for work in the Master’s cause. 

After Mr. Proctor’s departure at the close of his first year of 
service, an invitation was addressed to Rev. William Martin, who 
had assisted at the organization of the church, to return, but the 
letter failed to reach him until six months after its date, and the 
church, meanwhile, had sought a minister elsewhere. Attention 
had been drawn to Rev. George Bush*, a licentiate of the Presby- 
tery of New York, then at Morristown, New Jersey. He was in- 
vited to visit the church, and in compliance therewith, arrived 
here on the 9th of July, 1824, bearing the commission of the Gen- 
eral Assembly as a missionary. 

Mr. Bush entered immediately upon his labors, which met with 
such acceptance that in September following, he was unanimously 
ealled to the pastoral charge of the church, at a salary of $400. 
The church had now been transferred to the Presbytery of Salem, 
and Mr. Bush was ordained and installed by a committee of that 
body, on March 5, 1825, the service being held in the Court 
House, as the new church was at that time receiving some finish- 
ing touches. Mr. Bush attended the General Assembly of that year 
as a commissioner, and on his return in July, brought his wife with 
him, to whom he had been married in his absence from his charge. 

In November, 1826, the session was enlarged by the election to 
the eldership of Messrs. Ebenezer Sharpe, John G. Brown and 
John Johnson. 

The years 1827 and ’28 were a season of severe trial. Although 
Mr. Bush at his ordination, had given full assent to the form of 


*(Note 3. Sketch of Rev. George Bush, page 288.) 


266 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


government of the Presbyterian Church, it is not easy to see how 
he could have done so sincerely. It came to light that he had pre- 
viously expressed doubts as to the Scripture warrant for that sys- 
tem, and soon after his settlement, frequently and boldly de- 
nounced it from the pulpit as contrary to the law of Christ. This 
gave the session much concern. They remonstrated with the pas- 
tor, and being unwilling to proceed to extremities in view of his 
general acceptableness and ability, they besought him to withhold 
the expression of his views in public; but to this he would not con- 
sent. In April, 1827, he was requested by the Home Missionary 
Society to visit the East, for the purpose of exhibiting the needs of 
the West, and arousing interest in its behalf. Before leaving he 
addressed an elaborate communication to the session, in which he 
set forth his views of the scriptural idea of church government. 
Dr. Coe, in his record of the fact, says, ‘‘the plan thus embodied 
was not like any system on earth.’’ During Mr. Bush’s absence, 
which continued until October, a very elaborate correspondence on 
the matter in controversy was maintained between the session and 
himself, in which the polemic talent of Dr. Coe, and the classic pen 
of Ebenezer Sharpe, did valiant service for the truth. 

Finally, after Mr. Bush’s return, the church applied to the 
Presbytery of Wabash, to which it had been transferred, for a dis- 
solution of the pastoral relation. The Presbytery assembled and 
dissolved the relation. Mr. Bush carried the case by complaint to 
the Synod. The Synod ratified the act of the Presbytery. Mr. 
Bush angrily and defiantly avowed his determination not to leave 
the field; and for nearly a year, still claiming to be pastor of this 
church, he preached in the Court House, being sustained by a sub- 
scription of non-professors, and members of unevangelical bodies. 
His supporters finally wearied of this burden, and in March, 1829, 
he left for the East and returned no more. He never sought an- 
other pastoral charge. Several years were spent in the Hebrew 
professorship of the University of New York, and in the service of 
the American Bible Society. For both these positions his great 
attainments in oriental literature eminently fitted him. But fi- 
nally he gave the strongest possible proof of the wisdom of the first 
session of this church, in obtaining a severance from him, by 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 267 


adopting the religion of Swedenborg. He held to the vagaries of 
that system until his death, which occurred in 1859, at the age of 
sixty-three years. 

With fine talents and large attainments, Mr. Bush lacked that 
balance of mind which insures steadfastness of purpose; and by 
the death of his wife, which occurred at an early period in her 
married life, he was deprived of an influence that was eminently 
conservative and restraining, in the quarter where he most needed 
it. 

In October, 1828, nearly a year before Mr. Bush’s withdrawal, 
Rev. John R. Moreland,* of the Presbytery of West Lexington, 
Kentucky, accepted a call to the vacant pastorate, though no rec- 
ord is found of the date of his installation. Several years of his 
early manhood were spent as a flat-boatman on western rivers. His 
preaching abounded in a rugged and pointed eloquence that was 
not destitute of impressiveness and effect. He also, by laborious 
and conscientious study, overcame any disadvantage of lack of 
early training, and besides much general information, acquired a 
very respectable knowledge of the original languages of the 
Scriptures. 

The church, while Mr. Bush was preaching in the Court House, 
had held no services except by occasional supplies, and the mem- 
bership had, to some extent, become scattered and disheartened. 
Mr. Moreland gathered the elements together again, and by the 
blessing of God upon his energetic labors in and out of the pulpit, 
the church was revived and strengthened. During the first eigh- 
teen months of his ministry, sixty persons were added to the 
church, making the total membership exactly one hundred. His 
valuable labors were terminated by death, after a pastorate of less 
than three years, on the 13th of October, 1832. It was during his 
ministry that the venerable James Blake, now gone to his rest, and 
James M. Ray, co-workers in the vineyard for so many years, 
became elders in this church. 

Rev. William A. Holliday served the church as stated supply 
for two years from February, 1833. During most of the remainder 


*(Note 4. Sketch of Rev. John R. Moreland, page 292.) 


268 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of his life he was a worshipper in this congregation. He died De- 
cember 16th, 1866, and by his liberal benefactions to the cause of 
Christian education, by the memory of his upright life, and Christ- 
like spirit, ‘‘he, being dead, yet speaketh.’’ 

In September, 1834, Rev. James W. McKennan, of Western 
Pennsylvania, visited the church by invitation, and his labors prov- 
ing acceptable and useful, he was installed as pastor on the 16th 
of June, 1835. When he became a subject of renewing grace, he 
was pursuing the study of law, but from a conviction of duty, 
abandoned further preparation for that profession, and devoted 
himself to the ministry. He is described as a man of sincere and 
eminent piety, of respectable attainments, not brilliant in his pul- 
pit efforts, but sound, instructive and edifying. His connection 
with the church was terminated at his own request, for what cause 
is not recorded, in April, 1839, though at the earnest request of 
the church, he continued to serve as stated supply until the fol- 
lowing October, when he accepted a call to the church of Cirele- 
ville, Ohio. Subsequently, he was settled over several other 
churches, and for several years filled a chair in Washington Col- 
lege, Pennsylvania. His laborious and useful life was terminated 
at the age of 57, on the 19th of July, 1861. 

During Mr. McKennan’s ministry here of about five years, one 
hundred and forty were added to the church, among whom were 
some who are still bearing the burden and heat of the day in this 
same vineyard; and yet, when Mr. McKennan resigned his charge, 
the entire membership numbered but one hundred and _ thirty. 
Three causes help to account for this fact. Death had transferred 
many to the Church above; a number of others had removed beyond 
the bounds of this church, and during this ministry a number had 
withdrawn to form the first Episcopal church organized in the 
town. Their preferences, and the membership of some, had pre- 
viously been with that body; but as long as no church of their 
first choice existed here, they wisely gave their aid and influence 
to that organization where they could be most comfortable and 
useful. And also during the same year, (1837), that great division 
of the Presbyterian Church occurred, causing two branches, known 
until the happy re-union in 1869, as the Old and the New School. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 269 


This church, like many others, felt the effect of that concussion, 
and fifteen members—eleven men and four women—withdrew 
and formed the organization now known as the Second Presby- 
terian Church, the original one from that time taking the designa- 
tion of the First. 


It is gratifying to state that while many similar divisions of 
churches at that time resulted in bickerings, strife and even litiga- 
tion, nothing of the kind occurred here. The seceding party asked 
for a just and equitable division of the church property, and ap- 
pointed two of their number, Messrs. Daniel Yandes* and Samuel 
Merrill,** to represent them in the negotiation. Dr. Isaac Coe and 
Mr. James M. Ray, were appointed a similar committee on the part 
of this church. A basis of action was readily agreed upon, and 
the transaction completed to the satisfaction of both parties, in a 
fraternal and Christian manner. How good and how pleasant it is 
to be able to say, that from that day to this, no root of bitterness, 
no envy or uncharitableness has sprung up between the venerable 
mother and the loving daughter, now herself developed into health- 
ful and active maturity. In locality, it has happened that they 
have always been, and are still likely long to be, near neighbors. 
In faith and zeal and efficient working for Christ, may they al- 
ways be found, side by side, striving together against the common 
enemy, for the salvation of souls, and the glory of God. 


From October 1839, the time of Mr. McKennan’s departure, 
until the beginning of the following year, the church had no regu- 
lar supply. In January, 1840, Rev. Samuel Fulton, a licentiate, 
was engaged for the period of three months. At the expiration 
of that time he was unanimously called to the pastoral charge, but 
being apprehensive that his health would not endure this climate, 
he desired that the call should not be prosecuted. 

In seeking their next pastor, the church made application to 
the professors of Princeton Theological Seminary, and asked to be 
recommended to a suitable man among the students about to grad- 
uate. They were put in correspondence with Rev. Phineas D. 
Gurley,; a licentiate of the Presbytery of North River, New York, 


*Note 5. See page 415. **Page 414. +Page 297. 


270 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


who was accordingly invited to supply the church for the period 
of six months. Mr. Gurley accepted the invitation, and arrived on 
the ground in October, 1840. When only two months of the term 
had expired, he received a unanimous call to the pastoral care of 
the church. It was accepted, and the installation took place on 
December 15th, 1840. This relation continued until November, 
1849, being a few days short of nine years, when it was dissolved 
at Mr. Gurley’s request, he having accepted a call to the First 
Church of Dayton, Ohio. 

It is a noteworthy fact that the fourth pastorate was, by a 
little over six months, the longest-that has existed in this church to 
this day, that of Dr. Nixon, the seventh, being next. The results 
of Dr. Gurley’s ministry, (that degree being subsequently con- 
ferred upon him,) were alike strengthening to the church, and 
ereditable to himself. Seasons of revival were repeatedly enjoyed 
during his ministry, some of the fruits of which still continue 
among us. 

Dr. Gurley was ranked among the able men of his day in our 
ehurch. In his preaching he was clear and practical; in his utter- 
ances solemn and deliberate. He was accustomed to write his ser- 
mons in full, and deliver them from the manuscript. His voice, 
naturally deep and mellow, was improved by diligent musical eul- 
tivation, and lent its charm to the general effect. In his several 
pastoral charges he enjoyed a more than average degree of popu- 
larity. Besides the merit of his preaching, his social manners were 
affable, though always dignified; his piety was warm and earnest, 
and his heart responsive to every call of sympathy. These traits 
made him welcome both to the pulpits of his brethren and the 
firesides of his people. He was called away in the zenith of his 
power, while filling his third pastoral charge, that of the F Street 
Church, in the city of Washington. He died at his home in that 
city, on the 30th of September, 1868, at the age of 51. 

In the first year of Dr. Gurley’s ministry, it became evident 
that the frame church building on Pennsylvania street was ‘‘too 
strait’’ for the congregation, and measures were adopted looking 
to the erection of a larger house, and in a more eligible locality. 
The building and lot were transferred to Dr. Isaac Coe, for $250 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 4 A 


in cash, and lot 14, block 45—the lot selected as the site of 
the new house, being the Northeast corner of Market and Circle 
Streets, now occupied by the Printing House of the Indianapolis 
Journal Company. A plan for the proposed church was prepared 
by Mr. John Elder, and a Building Committee appointed, consist- 
ing of Messrs. Coe, Sheets, Blake, Blythe and Elder. The house 
was to be of brick. The corner-stone was laid with due ceremony, 
on the 7th day of October, 1841, and the building was solemnly 
dedicated to the worship and service of Almighty God, on the 6th 
day of May, 1843. The sermon was preached by the pastor, a por- 
tion of which, with the prayer of dedication, is preserved among 
the records of the congregation. 

The edifice of which we have been speaking, and of the final 
disposal of which, in 1866, it will be appropriate to speak in an- 
other place, is hallowed in the memory of many of you as the the- 
atre of four successive and able pastorates, in each of which the 
ministry of the word was made effective, not only by the ordinary, 
but also by extraordinary manifestations of the power of God’s 
Spirit, in the renewing of his people, and the conversion of sinners. 

At Dr. Gurley’s resignation, the session consisted of the follow- 
ing elders: Dr. Isaac Coe, Caleb Scudder, John Johnson, James 
Blake, James M. Ray and Samuel Bigger, the last of whom was 
elected while Governor of the State. 

Rev. Charles 8. Mills, principal of a female seminary in the 
town, supplied the pulpit with acceptance, from November, 1849, 
until September of the following year. 

The session having become weakened by the removal of several 
of its members, Messrs. Charles Axtell, (who subsequently entered 
the ministry,) Horatio C. Newcomb and Thomas H. Sharpe, were, 
on February 27, 1850, elected elders, Mr. Axtell, however, hav- 
ing been previously ordained to the office in another congregation. 

In September, 1851, while the church was still destitute of a 
pastor, twenty-one members, including elders Scudder, Blake and 
Newcomb, requested letters of dismission, for the purpose of or- 
ganizing another church. The request was granted, and the 
organization soon after effected by a committee of the Presbytery 
of Muncie. Twenty additional members withdrew soon after to 


wie CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


aid the new organization. This was the origin of the Third Pres- 
byterian Church of Indianapolis, which has now just completed 
the 25th year of its existence. The many tokens of the Divine 
favor it has enjoyed, and the prosperity and usefulness it has 
attained show conclusively that it was founded in accordance 
with the will of God; and in a probable new locality, an enlarged 
sphere of active usefulness seems to be opening before it. 

In the fall of the same year, (1851), a call to the pastoral 
charge was addressed to Rev. John A. McClung,* of the Presby- 
tery of Ebenezer, Kentucky, which was accepted, and the installa- 
tion effected on the last day of the year. Dr. McClung’s ministry 
of nearly four years, (he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
after leaving this charge,) resulted in a large increase in the mem- 
bership of the church, and uniformly drew to it the strangers in 
the city, and very frequently the prominent and resident members 
of the bar, connected with other congregations, or with none. The 
session was also enlarged during his ministry by the election of 
the late William Sheets and Thomas MaclIntire in 1854, the latter 
having been ordained an elder in Columbus, Ohio. 

Dr. McClung exists in the memory of many of you as a char- 
acter marked by strong and notable traits. The present occasion 
admits of nothing more than the merest outline of his remark- 
able and eventful life. He was converted at the age of 16, while 
absent from home at school, and from a deep conviction of duty,’ 
soon resolved on devoting his life to the service of God in the 
ministry. Accordingly, he entered the Theological Seminary at 
Princeton, at the age of 18; but ill health, growing out of injudi- 
cious medical treatment during a severe illness while at school, 
compelled him to withdraw after an attendance of eighteen months. 
He pursued his studies however in private, as his health permitted, 
and in 1828, was licensed by the Presbytery of Ebenezer. He at 
once took high rank as a preacher, and the strongest hopes were 
entertained of his usefulness and success. But these hopes were 
soon blighted. In his extensive reading he included some infidel 
works, and finding himself unable to answer some of Gibbon’s 
arguments, and not taking into account his own youthfulness, and 


*(Note 6. Sketch of Dr. McClung, page 295.) 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Liss 


comparatively small mental discipline, he imbibed doubts of the 
genuineness and authenticity of the Scriptures. With his charac- 
teristic candor, he laid the matter before the Presbytery, and asked 
leave to surrender his license. The Presbytery could not refuse 
the request, but treated the case with all possible gentleness, espe- 
cially under the advice of a venerable member, who declared his 
conviction that Mr. McClung would yet see his error, and return. 
He now directed his attention to the study of law, and in due time 
entered upon the practice of that profession, in the city of Mays- 
ville, Kentucky, where he pursued it for fifteen years. During 
that period he attained a prominent rank among the ablest advo- 
cates in the state, and also rendered valuable service in the Legis- 
lature, filling the Speaker’s chair during four several terms. 

But during this period of mental activity and growing reputa- 
tion, his mind was not at ease as to the claims of Christianity upon 
him. He had never been an infidel in the broad sense. He had 
never wholly ceased inquiry as to the divine origin of Christianity, 
and finding nothing in the works of infidels conclusive against it, 
he was through all the years of his legal practice, the prey of a 
harrowing anxiety and doubt. But he never lost his respect for 
religion, nor failed to treat and speak of it with reverence. Finally, 
in 1848, Rev. Dr. Grundy, pastor of the chureh in Maysville, 
while preaching upon one of the points that had formerly dis- 
turbed Mr. McClung’s faith, was led to draw the bow at a venture, 
and send an arrow that wounded this strong man between the 
joints of the harness. Not so, however, as to bring him at once a 
willing captive to the feet of Jesus, but to induce him once more to 
review the grounds upon which he had, long years before, sur- 
rendered his faith in the Scriptures. He felt that the habits of in- 
vestigation he had acquired at the bar, with his enlarged resources 
and increased mental discipline, would enable him to pursue such 
an investigation, at least with more satisfaction to himself than he 
had done in earlier life. He also became acquainted for the first 
time with a work by an eminent Scotch jurist, in which Gibbon’s 
arguments were answered, and his mis-quotations and sophisms ex- 
posed. Under these circumstances he addressed himself again to 
the great problem before him with all the power of his rapid, com- 


274 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


prehensive and disciplined mind. The labors of his profession 
compelled him to pursue these exhausting studies, for the most 
part, in the hours when nature demanded repose. The ‘‘midnight 
oil’’ illumined them, and not seldom burned on until extinguished 
by the dawn. The struggle was long and the conflict terrible. But 
the result was the inevitable one, when a candid and earnest seeker 
after truth applies himself in humility and sincerity, to learn the 
mind of God from His revealed will. His skepticism vanished; a 
light beyond the brightness of the sun shone round about him; the 
scales fell from his eyes, and his prostrated soul put forth the 
agonizing ery, ‘‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?’’ With the 
return of his early faith, his early convictions of duty also re- 
turned, although it was a pecuniary sacrifice of no small extent 
to relinquish the income his profession was yielding. But he was 
not one to count the cost, where convictions of duty were con- 
cerned. He appled to Presbytery for license to preach the gos- 
pel. He was licensed accordingly, and returned to the work of the 
ministry, with more than his old-time zeal and earnestness, first as 
a temporary supply of one of the churches of the city of Louis- 
ville. His ministrations took strong hold of the public mind at 
once, and at the close of that temporary engagement, he accepted 
the eall of this church. 

To those of you who were privileged to enjoy his ministry, the 
characteristics of it are freshly borne in mind. You remember his 
plain, direct, colloquial style, never obscuring the simplicity of the 
gospel in the vanity of a showy rhetoric, but always presenting the 
thought, with clearness and force. As he had himself passed 
through a terrible spiritual conflict, his discourses, to a great de- 
gree, took their complexion from it. They were, perhaps, imper- 
ceptibly on his part, largely addressed to the skeptical mind, and 
often embodied an affluence of Scripture knowledge, of massive 
logic, and fervent appeal that could not fail to shake the citadel of 
unbelief. He also delighted in the discovery of correlations be- 
tween the Old Testament and the New, and some of his expositions 
of that kind were striking and attractive in the extreme. In the 
winter of 1854-5, he devoted the Sabbath evening services for sev- 
eral weeks to a course of lectures on the prophecy of Daniel, which 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PME) 


filled the old church to overflowing and elicited profound interest 
in the community. 

But failing health compelled him in 1855, to resign his charge, 
to which, after long hesitation, the church gave a reluctant assent. 
A winter in the South, before resigning his charge, failed to benefit 
him, and on withdrawing from this church, he resolved to try the 
eold, dry and bracing air of Minnesota. That climate so far re- 
stored him that he felt able after a respite of a year or two, to re- 
sume the ministry, and was unanimously invited to the pastoral 
charge of the church of Maysville, Kentucky, and was installed in 
June, 1857. His labors were largely blessed in an increase both 
of the membership and the spirituality of the church; and the 
singular compliment was frequently paid him by the ministers of 
other denominations, of dispensing with their own Sabbath even- 
ing services, that they and their congregations might enjoy the 
privilege of hearing him. 

But after an earnest and faithful ministry of two years there, 
his health again became precarious, and a period of rest and rec- 
reation indispensable. He accordingly left home on the 3d of Au- 
gust, 1859, and on Friday the 5th, arrived at Tonawanda, a vil- 
lage on the Niagara River, about nine miles above the Falls, intend- 
ing to spend the Sabbath there. But learning there was no Pres- 
byterian church in that village, he started on Saturday afternoon, 
the 6th, to walk to the town of Niagara, as is supposed, with a view 
of spending the Sabbath there. Being an expert swimmer, and 
much addicted to bathing in cold water, the clear broad stream 
beside his path, held out an invitation he could not resist. He. was 
a stranger in that locality, and no friendly voice was at hand to 
warn him that those still waters flowed with invincible power, as if 
gathering strength for their final plunge. He entered the stream. 
What followed then—whether some physical debility paralyzed 
him, or whether after a vigorous and manly struggle with the 
mighty current he was finally overcome, or what thoughts coursed 
through his brain when a sense of his awful situation flashed upon 
him—can never be known. This only is known. He was swept 
on and over that fearful cataract, and his bruised and lacerated 
body was, some days after, rescued from the whirling eddies miles 





276 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


below, and committed to the grave by stranger hands. Not there 
to rest, however; loving friends of his congregation traced out his 
obscure grave, and bore his honored remains to their final rest, 
amid the scenes of his youth, and of the labors of his latest years. 
Dr. McClung’s connection with this church ceased in October, 
1855, and it was without a pastor, though not without almost regu- 
lar supplies for the pulpit, until December, 1856. In the mean- 
time, calls had been given to two ministers; one to Rev. Alexander 
R. Thompson, of Staten Island, New York, who intimated his ac- 
ceptance, but felt constrained to withdraw it on account of the 
destruction by fire of his hbrary, manuscripts and most of his per- 
sonal property; the other to Rev. Robert 8. Hitchcock, of Balti- 
more, who filled the pulpit several Sabbaths, but declined the call. 
In November, 1856, Rev. (now Dr.) Thomas M. Cunningham, 
of Carrondolet, Missouri, a minister of the Associate Reformed 
Presbyterian Church, having resolved to change his relation, vis- 
ited us by invitation, and spent several Sabbaths. On the 12th 
of December, a unanimous call was made for his pastoral services, 
which, after some delay, owing to other calls made to him, he ac- 
cepted, and was installed on the 7th of May, 1857. He was in the 
vigor of his manhood, fervid and impassioned in his style of 
preaching, and at times profoundly impressive. His ministry was 
owned of God, and large accessions were made to the membership, 
especially from among the young, and for the first time the need 
of a larger house of worship began to be perceived and discussed. 
Dr. Cunningham withdrew in May, 1860, after a service of three 
years, having accepted a call to the South Church of Chicago. Sub- 
sequently, he was settled for several years over the Alexander 
Church of Philadelphia, where his labors were also greatly blest. 
He is now the useful and efficient pastor of the Central Church of 
San Francisco. | 
During Dr. Cunningham’s pastorate, (in 1859,) it was deemed 
expedient to establish a German Presbyterian Church. By the 
aid of a legacy left for benevolent purposes by Mr. Benjamin J. 
Blythe, a former deacon of the church, a lot was purchased on 
South New Jersey Street, and a neat brick building erected. The 
legacy of Mr. Blythe was supplemented by donations from this 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Pal it | 


church, and the enterprise was set on foot even to the installation 
of a German pastor, with indications of permanence and useful- 
ness. It was styled the ‘‘Fifth Presbyterian Church, German.’’ 
From causes not necessary to specify here, the hopes that were 
formed of the suecess and usefulness of this enterprise, were not 
realized, and after a trial of about two years, it was abandoned, 
the property sold, and the proceeds converted to other benevolent 
and religious uses. 

Dr. Cunningham’s pastorate closed as already stated, in May, 
1860, and the church remained vacant until the following January, 
when Rev. J. Howard Nixon of the Presbytery of Neweastle, re- 
sponded to a call addressed to him in the previous December, and 
entered upon his labors. Owing, however, to precarious health, he 
did not fully accept the call until after three months’ service, and 
his installation took place on the 17th of April, 1861. As a very 
considerable number of you enjoyed the privilege of sitting under 
his ministry, it 1s not necessary to speak of it at length. You re- 
member that his sermons were rich in evangelical truth, sound and 
mstructive in their bearing on Christian doctrine, in their practi- 
cal relations always fresh and. appropriate, and the thoughts 
clothed in eloquent and impressive language. God’s truth as dis- 
pensed from the lhps‘of this able preacher did not return unto 
Him void. The average annual increase of membership during his 
pastorate, was greater than in that of any former one; and as the 
population of the city experienced a very rapid increase also dur- 
ing that period, it is almost certain the membership of the church 
‘would have been still more enlarged, if more sitting room had been 
available. It was common in those days to decline applications 
for sittings because there were none to grant. This state of things 
could not be allowed to continue. Accordingly, measures that had 
to some extent been discussed during Dr. Cunningham’s pastorate, 
looking to an enlargement of the building in front, were again 
brought up and after full examination, with plans and estimates 
were decided to be inexpedient. At a congregational meeting held 
on the 16th of March, 1863, it was accordingly resolved to erect a 
new house of worship upon the same site, enlarging it by purchase 
of two lots adjoining on the north. The plan thus formed was, 


278 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


perhaps providentially delayed, in the execution, by the disturbed 
state of the community, growing out of the war, and by the rapid 
increase in the price of building material and labor. After the 
lapse of one year, it was thought practicable to commence active 
operations, and in the meantime it had become apparent that busi- 
ness was encroaching upon the ‘‘Circle,’’ that the current of 
population was setting northward, and that the old site was no 
longer desirable for the same purposes. At a congregational 
meeting held on the 8th of March, 1864, the subject was fully dis- 
cussed, the present site was recommended, and information given 
that it could be purchased for $22,500. The meeting approved the 
site, and ordered the purchase. 

In the following year the church property was sold to the 
printing and publishing firm of Holloway, Douglass & Co., for 
$18,000, with reservation of the bell, pews and furniture, and the 
privilege of continuing occupancy until the first of April, 1866. 
On that day, being the Sabbath, Mr. Nixon preached a discourse 
embracing the history of the church from its organization to that 
time. The afternoon was devoted to a Sabbath School commemora- 
tion. Mr. James M. Ray presented a written narrative of that 
branch of the church work from the beginning, the School of the 
Third Church, with its teachers and officers uniting in the exer- 
eises. In the evening a re-union of this and the Third Church was 
held; the services were of an informal character, and several of the 
older members of churches of other denominations took part in 
them. 

These were the last religious services in the old church, and cele- 
brated the exodus of the congregation from its walls, after an occu- 
pancey of twenty-three years. The work of demolition was begun on 
the following day, and in a very short time not one stone was left 
upon another, of what was, in its day, the largest and finest house 
of worship in the state. 

In the meantime, the new chapel, or lecture room, had been 
begun and carried forward almost to completion. For two Sab- 
baths the congregation was like a flock without a fold, having no 
place of assemblage, but on April 22d, 1866, that building was so 
far completed as to admit of occupancy, and on that day the 





Views of the auditorium and Sunday School room of the third build- 
ing of First Presbyterian Church, southwest corner of Pennsylvania 
and New York Streets, occupied from 1866 to 1901. 


oe 
ori be oe 
Cone 


ys 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 279 


congregation assembled within its walls for the first time, the Sab- 
bath School, according to the original plan of the building, meeting 
in the second story. The corner-stone of the main edifice, was laid 
on July 23d, of the same year, with appropriate ceremonies, in 
which the other Presbyterian pastors took part, and also several 
ministers of the Baptist, Methodist, and Lutheran denominations. 
From that time the builders’ task was carried forward as rapidly 
as possible, and the sacred edifice was formally opened for public 
worship by a sermon from the pastor, on December 29th, 1867. 
For financial reasons, the dedication was deferred until April 
24th, 1870, when another pastor was occupying the pulpit, the 
dedication sermon being preached by Rev. Dr. Davidson, of Ham- 
ilton, Ohio. 

The building committee to whom this enterprise was entrusted 
were, Thomas H. Sharpe, Robert Browning, Jeremiah McLene, Ad- 
dison L. Roache, William Sheets, James W. Brown, John M. Lord, 
James M. Ray, Thomas MacIntire and James Greene. Mr. Thos. 
V. Wadskeir, of Chicago, was the Architect, and the whole cost 
of building and ground, $104,117.74. 


While the erection of this noble house was in progress, it was 
deemed expedient to establish a Sabbath School in a very needy 
locality, in the Southeastern part of the city. Mr. William E. 
Craig, a member of the session, took charge of the enterprise, and 
so great was the success attending it, that very soon the way was 
open for the organization of a church. Mr. Calvin Fletcher and 
his associates in the ownership of lots in that part of the town, 
presented two for the site of a building; the estate of Dr. Coe pre- 
sented $500, and the congregation subscribed $2,800, for the erec- 
tion of it, and before our old house was vacated, a neat, substan- 
tial frame church had been erected, which it has since been 
found necessary to enlarge. The organization is now known as the 
Seventh Presbyterian Church, with a membership of 300, and a 
Sabbath school of 493, under the efficient pastoral charge of Rev. 
Charles H. Raymond. When statistics were gathered for our Semi- 
centennial Sabbath School celebration in 1878, the school of the 
Seventh Church was found to number 324 scholars, being much 


280 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the largest Presbyterian School in the city, and the largest but one 
of any denomination. 

The health of the pastor, Rev. Mr. Nixon, had become so much 
impaired that soon after the completion of this house, he asked 
leave of absence for six months for the purpose of a sea-voyage, 
and a visit to Europe. Consent was given, and the pastor left in 
February, 1868, the pulpit being ably filled in his absence, by Rev. 
J. EF. Dripps, a licentiate. Mr. Nixon returned and resumed his 
duties on the 11th of October, but without the full benefit to his 
health he had hoped to derive from rest and travel. He toiled on 
however, with the ‘‘thorn’’ of ill health rankling in his flesh, 
until February, 1869, when he felt constrained to cease pastoral 
work, and request a dissolution of the relation. The church, with 
creat regret, yielded to the necessity, and the pastoral relation was 
dissolved on the 14th of April, 1869, having been as already stated, 
the longest of any in the history of this church, except that of Dr. 
Gurley. It is gratifying to be able to state that change of climate 
and several years’ cessation for the most part from ministerial 
work have wrought so great an improvement in Dr. Nixon’s health, 
(that degree having been conferred upon him since leaving here, ) 
that he has recently taken the pastoral charge of the Central 
Church, of Wilmington, Delaware. 

During Dr. Nixon’s ministry, ’61-’69, Messrs. Benjamin Harri- 
son, Myron A. Stowell and William E. Craig, were added to the 
session; the last, a native of Scotland, has returned, in impaired 
health, to his native land. 

Our next pastor, was Rev. Robert D. Harper, D. D., previously 
of the United Presbyterian Church, of Xenia, Ohio. He was 
called on the 22d of April, 1869, entered upon his labors here on 
the 16th of May, and was installed on the 19th of October follow- 
ing; so that the pulpit was vacant only about one month. Dr. 
Harper’s ministry is so recent, and so many of the present mem- 
bers of the congregation were among his appreciative hearers and 
warm personal friends, that it is not necessary to speak of it at 
length. It is sufficient to say that he was sound and evangelical 
in his expositions of truth, warmly interested in his work, pos- 
sessed of many of the graces and charms of pulpit oratory, and of 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 281 


marked courtesy and affability of demeanor. Although no special 
revival occurred under his ministry it was not barren of results, 
nor without the visible seal of the divine favor. He tendered his 
resignation on February 28d, 1871, after a ministry of less than 
two years—the shortest thus far in the history of the church— 
and accepted a call to the North Broad Street Church, of Phila- 
delphia. 

During Dr. Harper’s pastorate, a corps of teachers from this 
church assumed the care of a missionary field in the North-east 
part of the city, where Methodists had planted a Sabbath School, 
which they called the ‘‘Saw Mill Mission,’’ but had abandoned it. 
Under the diligent culture of that band of workers, and with gen- 
erous pecuniary aid afforded by one of the elders of this church, 
the humble mission school has grown into the Ninth Presby- 
terian Chureh, with a membership of 131, and Sabbath School of 
387, now under the pastoral charge of Rev. L. Faye Walker— be- 
ing the fourth healthy and promising daughter of this venerable 
mother. 


During the same ministry, in the year 1870, the congregation 
purchased this noble organ, not only as an aid to the songs of the 
sanctuary, but also as their grateful ‘‘Memorial’’ testimony to the 
favor of God bestowed upon the church at large in the re-union of 
the branches known as the Old and New School. 

The vacancy left by Dr. Harper’s withdrawal in February, 
1871, continued until June of the same year. During that time, 
the session was again enlarged by the election of Messrs. James W. 
Brown, Jeremiah McLene, Isaac C. Hayes, L. B. Walker and Asa- 
hel M. Benham. These brethren, together with Mr. Robert Brown- 
ing, who was elected to the same office in November previous, were 
ordained on the 9th of April, 1871, by Rev. L. G. Hay. Mr. Hayes 
subsequently withdrew to the Memorial Church, and Messrs. Walk- 
er and Benham have removed from the city. 

Rev. Jeremiah P. E. Kumler,* of Evansville, Indiana, was 
called to the pastoral charge in June, 1871. He accepted the call, 
and entered upon his work on the second Sabbath of July, with 


(*Note 7. Sketch of Dr. Kumler, page 300.) 


282 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the consent of the congregation, however, that he should carry out 
the arrangements he had made for a summer vacation. He re- 
turned and resumed his labors on the 12th of August, and was for- 
mally installed on the first of October following. Although the time 
seems long since his departure, as it has been for the most part a 
period of silent Sabbaths, it has not been long enough to efface 
from your minds, remembrance of his earnest, devoted ministry. 
He continued with us a few months less than four years, but the 
results of that brief ministry are not below the average of his pre- 
decessors. In the proceedings had, when the question of assent to 
his withdrawal came up, the congregation resolved that the con- 
templated movement on his part was regarded with regret and 
heart-felt sorrow; that he had endeared himself to the community 
as well as to the church, as a Christian teacher, adviser and friend, 
and had in a pre-eminent degree, illustrated the beauty, the power, 
and the usefulness of an earnest and rugged Christian character ; 
that as a preacher of evangelical truth, he had proven himself not 
only rich in Biblical learning, but fruitful in thought and sug- 
gestion, and above all, most eloquently earnest. It is, therefore, 
not singular that the congregation declined assent to Mr. Kumler’s 
request for a dissolution of the pastoral relation, and took measures 
to have that dissent most ably and eloquently advocated before 
the Presbytery. Mr. Kumler’s convictions, however, pointed in 
another direction, and the church finally, at a subsequent meeting 
of the Presbytery, on the 14th of September, 1875, signified their 
assent, perforce, and the relation was dissolved accordingly. Mr. 
Kumler accepted a call from the Third Presbyterian Church of 
Cincinnati, in which he is still laboring with his accustomed zeal 
and energy. 

A Committee of Supply, as usual, was appointed after Mr. 
Kumler’s withdrawal, to search out and recommend a_ pastor. 
Their first measure was to hear Rev. James H. Brookes, D. D., of 
St. Louis, and the result of their visit was, that in October, 1875, 
the congregation gave him a unanimous eall. Circumstances in 
his own charge prevented him from giving a prompt and decisive 
reply, but in December he visited us and spent one week of active 
and appreciated labor, preaching or conducting informal services 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 233 


every day and evening, in this and other churches. After his re- 
turn home, the congregation voted a renewal of the call, which 
was subsequently enforced by visits from some members of the 
committee, and extended correspondence. But the result of the 
whole was that in February of the present year, the call was an- 
swered with a final negative. Since that time the committee has 
diligently discharged its office, but with the saddening result thus 
far of not finding a pastor acceptable to the entire congregation. 

What now remains to be said is chiefly in the way of summary ; 
and first of all, mention should be made of the fact that this 
church, in its very early infancy, adopted a plan of systematic 
contribution to the Boards and benevolent operations of the Church 
at large. And though it is not pretended that it has, through all 
the half century of its existence, done its whole duty in that re- 
gard, or always given as the Lord has prospered it, it may be truth- 
fully asserted that it has never lost sight of that duty, nor entirely 
failed in the performance of it, despite the repeated ‘‘panics,’’ 
the distractions wrought by war, and the oft recurring ‘‘hard 
times’’ that have marked these decades. It would be interesting 
and doubtless encouraging to know just how much these contribu- 
tions to the treasury of the Lord, through all these long years and 
manifold changes amount to. But unfortunately the requisite 
data have not been preserved. 

In regard to the Sabbath School institution, this church has 
an undisputed claim to the prime agency in its introduction into 
the infant community.* Indeed before the church was organized, 
one of its founders and first elders, the only man in the settlement 
who had any practical acquaintance with Sabbath Schools and 
their management, had organized and was laboring in the old 
‘Union School,’’ which held its weekly gathering—not with the 
approval of all the settlers—in the immortal Cabinet Shop of 
‘‘Squire’’ Scudder. This was the seed. The fruit we see to-day. 
And the ambition that is sanctified by God’s spirit, can ask no 
more honorable memorial than that inscribed on the granite 
monument above Dr. Isaac Coe’s remains in Crown Hill, THE 
FOUNDER OF INDIANAPOLIS SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 

As an evidence of the harmony, as well as the efficiency with 


*See document opp. page 302. 


284 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


which the Sabbath School work in this church has been conducted, 
it may be mentioned that the office of superintendent in it was 
for much more than half the fifty-three years of its existence, 
filled by one and the same person, Mr. James M. Ray. Others 
filling the office have been Benjamin Harrison, J. Albert Vin- 
nedge, Irving Harrison, Asahel M. Benham, Edward P. Howe, 
Elijah B. Martindale, William S. Armstrong and Ebenezer Sharpe. 

In regard to ministerial service, you have seen that the church 
has enjoyed the labors of nine pastors and five stated supplies. 
Of the pastors, four are still laboring in other fields, and five have 
entered into rest. Of the stated supplies, but two survive. The 
eldership has embraced twenty-two members, all of whom except 
four, were ordained and set apart to the office in this church. 
Of these twenty-two, eight have crossed the flood; five have re- 
moved elsewhere; one has entered the ministry, and eight are now 
rendering service. The deaconship has always been recognized in 
the congregation as an important element of its working force, and 
is at this time filled by acceptable and efficient incumbents. 

The entire membership of the church from the beginning, num- 
bers 1,305, being an average of twenty-four per year, for the 
fifty-three years of the church’s existence, and six for each quar- 
terly communion; precisely what Dr. Nixon, in the historical dis- 
course already referred to, stated as the average up to that time. 
Should not this failure of increase admonish us that while there 
remaineth very much land to be possessed, the night cometh in 
which no man can work? 

It is a more pleasant reflection that from the communion of 
this church, nine persons have entered the ministry. They are 
Rev. James 8. Kemper, Rev. Henry Isaae Coe, Rev. J. Cooley 
Fletcher, Rev. L. G. Hay, Rev. William W. Sickels, Rev. Edward 
C. Sickels, Rev. Charles Axtell, Rev. William A. Holliday and Rev. 
John Dixon. 

It is a fact strikingly peculiar to the history of this congrega- 
tion, that for the last twenty-five years, a considerable number of 
ministers of the gospel, not engaged in the work, have been con- 
nected with it. How far this has added to the moral strength of 
the church, is a question not now entered upon. 

I have thus, brethren, perhaps with too much minuteness of 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 285 


detail, laid before you the history of this church from the day of 
its birth to this fifty-fourth year of its existence. To some of you 
it is the church of your fathers; to all of you, it is the church of 
your adoption and choice, and doubtless the object of your hearts’ 
best and warmest affections. The time does not admit of an 
attempt to set out the lessons taught by this half century’s his- 
tory, nor is the speaker the person to adduce and enforce the duties 
erowing out of the present juncture in your church affairs. Let 
me only remind you that the exigency which environs her, demands 
that all the true friends of the church rally to her aid. You are 
not satisfied that the sacrificial fire should be so seldom kindled 
upon this altar. You are not satisfied that so many Sabbaths 
should come and go, and no sound of prayer and praise and Chris- 
tian teaching, break the dismal silence within these walls. You 
deplore that this flock should be scattered simply because there is 
no shepherd to lead it in green pastures, and beside still waters. 
You can not believe that this church, much as it has done, has 
accomplished its full mission, or fully subserved the purpose of its 
Great Head. What then is the duty of the hour? Is it not that 
you manifest your sympathy with the Lord Jesus in the great pur- 
pose of His death, by increased activity in Christian work, thus re- 
pairing so far as you may, the damage that results from a vacant 
pulpit? And seeing that God only waits for His people to attain a 
proper attitude before bestowing His blessing, what searchings of 
heart should there be, what fervent, constant prayer ascending 
from every household and every heart, until He return and repair 
these wastes of Zion, and pour down all the fullness of His blessing 
upon her! 

And the blessing will come. God loves this church more than 
you can possibly do. He has graven her upon the palms of His 
hands; her walls are continually before Him. Therefore, He will 
give her protracted life, and growth and prosperity. If not by our 
instrumentality, by that of others. Her coming half century will 
be more glorious than the first. In place of the fathers shall be the 
children, and when she celebrates her first centennial, and we are 
slumbering in the dust, and our names forgotten, doubtless she will 
have an experience to look back upon, of unmingled mercy, of en- 
larged usefulness and abundant blessing. 


CHAPTER VIII 


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MINISTERS 
REV. JAMES GREENE 


Mr. JoHn H. Houumay 


(From The Indianapolis News) 


Rev. James Greene died on the morning of December 26, 1893. 
THE News of that day had the following sketch of him, written 
by John H. Holliday: 

‘‘Mr. Greene, the youngest of thirteen children, was born in 
Scituate, R. I. December 6, 1810. His parents were Quakers, his 
father being a prominent minister of that sect. He was educated 
at various denominational schools until he was seventeen, when an 
opening was found for him in a mercantile house in Baltimore, 
where he remained twenty months. Thence he went to Albany, N. 
Y., where, falling under the ministry of the Rev. Dr. W. B. 
Sprague, an eminent pastor, he Joined the Presbyterian church in 
1830. Soon after his conversion his attention was turned to the 
ministry, and he decided to enter it. After pursuing his prepara- 
tory studies at the Albany Academy, he entered Amherst College 
in 18383, and graduated in 18387. In his class were several after- 
ward residents of this city, Lucien Barbour, Charles N. Todd, and 
Judge Walter March; and Henry Ward Beecher was a member of 
the college during three years of Mr. Greene’s course. After leay- 
ing Amherst, Mr. Greene studied theology three years at Prince- 
ton, N. J., having as his instructors three of the most eminent 
teachers in the Presbyterian Church—Drs. Archibald Alexander, 
Samuel Miller and Charles Hodge. After graduation there he de- 
cided to enter the home missionary work in Tennessee, and for 
several months labored in the vicinity of Nashville. Among other 
churches in which he preached was the one attended by General 


286 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 287 


Jackson, at whose house he stayed, and who wished to engage his 
services in that field as teacher and preacher. The circumstances 
were so unfavorable, however, General Jackson being the sole sup- 
port of the church, that Mr. Greene declined and went to Gallatin, 
where he remained in charge of the church for two years. He then 
took a church at Shelbyville, Ky., for a year, and in 1844 went to 
Madison, Ind. to accept the professorship of ancient languages in 
the Madison University, which had just been established by the 
Rev. Dr. McMaster. After the Madison University came to an end, 
Mr. Greene then opened a private school. 

‘‘In 1852 he moved to Evansville, where he followed the same 
calling for a year. He came to this city in August, 1853, having 
become the secretary of the Indianapolis & Evansville Air Line 
Railroad. When the war broke out Mr. Greene became assistant 
quartermaster general of the state, serving until the close of hos- 
tilities. He was made secretary of a business men’s organization 
somewhat akin to the Board of Trade, and when that ceased en- 
tered the insurance business, becoming soon after the agent of the 
Berkshire Life, a place he held until death. Of late years his only 


surviving son, Davies M. Greene, has been his partner. 

‘“Mr. Greene was a man of impressive manner and appearance. 
Large in form and with a leonine head, he would attract atten- 
tion anywhere. As a speaker he had great clearness and force. 
He retained his knowledge of the ancient languages to an unusual 
degree, and was frequently the examiner in these branches of can- 
didates for the ministry. He wrote some years ago a history of 
the Indianapolis Presbytery, and on the semi-centennial of the 
First church—with which he was connected during his whole life 
here—he prepared a historical discourse with great literary skill. 
In the First Church he was a man of marked usefulness. His 
death removes the last of three long prominent figures in that 
body—the others being Thomas H. Sharpe and M. A. Stowell. He 
leaves a wife and one son, his other children having preceded 
him.’’ 


288 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


REV. GEORGE BUSH 
Mr. Jacosp P. DUNN 


The separation of Mr. Bush and the church was a fortunate 
thing for both. Whether he was right in his theory that the Pres- 
byterian form of church government was unscriptural, and that 
the division of the church into sects—Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, 
ete.—was ‘‘a sinful rending of Christ’s body,’’ was not material. 
The point was that a Presbyterian church could not be built up 
under that sort of teaching. 

On the other hand, he was out of his element in the Presby- 
terian church. He was a natural mystic. Neither of his parents 
was religious, and his mother died before he was five years old. 
Nevertheless he was often moved to tears by seeing a child in its 
mother’s arms, and would exclaim: ‘‘Oh, if the good God had only 
left me my mother.’’ He frequently spoke of her as if she were 
invisibly with him, and watching over him. 

He was not taught to pray, but at six years of age he saw a 
child praying at its mother’s knee, and began the practice by him- 
self. His theology was crude, but he had attained a belief in a 
God and a devil, with a pronounced fear of the latter; and so 
he used to pray to both, but on differing theories, his effort being 
to cajole the devil by flattery. He developed into a precocious 
and abnormal student. He never played with other children when 
he could find a book to read; and he read books far beyond his 
years. 

At fourteen, his father, who was a man of education—a gradu- 
ate of Dartmouth, and especially up in languages—feared that he 
was injuring his health by study, and apprenticed him to a printer. 
He did not last long in that occupation, as he became so much in- 
terested in reading manuscripts that he overlooked setting type. 
He then ran away from home—they lived at Hanover, N. H.—and 
started for Boston where he had a wealthy relative who, he hoped, 
would send him to college. But when he reached Concord, his 
conscience sent him back home; and after hearing his story, his 
father concluded that he was predestined for education, and 
packed him off to school. 





First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 289 


After finishing Hanover Academy, he entered Dartmouth, 
where he graduated with the highest honors. He taught school in 
vacations, and tutored, to help pay his college expenses. By this 
time he had become deeply religious, and, in 1818, went to Prince- 
ton to prepare for the ministry. He kept a journal while there, 
and its remarkable introspective character makes it a revelation of 
his inmost life. No doubt there have been many theological stu- 
dents who had soul struggles; but certainly there have been few 
who devoted so many days to fasting and prayer to escape them; 
and still fewer who experienced his special difficulty. 

His haunting fear was that he was letting his desire for knowl- 
edge come between him and God. A few entries in his senior year 
will illustrate: ‘‘Jan. 1, 1822. I am far too liable to indulge my 
appetites to a wrong degree, and especially those ‘lusts of the 
mind’ which, under a more innocent guise, do as truly war against 
the life of grace as any animal propensity that besets our nature— 
I mean a carnal thirst for all kinds of knowledge—an extensive 
eritical acquaintance with the Scriptures—a vain predilection for 
certain qualities of style, etc., in my own writing and others.’’ 

‘‘June 12. (his birthday) I find that my systematic studies in 
theology have a wonderful deadening influence on my feelings. In 
studying the origin and nature of sin, and speculating upon the 
thousand points of difficulty connected with the subject, I seem 
to lose all affecting sense of the true character of this evil, and for- 
get that I am a sinner, and as such exposed to its curse, unless the 
free Grace of Christ interpose. 

‘*Dec. 30. I find myself led away far from the Cross by my 
excessive thirst for knowledge. I have been enabled to see that the 
true knowledge of Jesus Christ embraces within itself about all 
that is absolutely necessary, yet there is a morbid insatiable long- 
ing after an acquaintance with men’s thoughts, that really amounts 
to little value, cleaving to corrupt nature. I am much impeded 
by it in my spiritual walk, and it moreover defiles my conscience; 
for I believe there is as much sin in gratifying this propensity to 
an undue degree as there is in avarice or any sensual pleasure. The 
mischief, however, is that the intrinsic dignity and the adventi- 
tious use of learning blind us to the sin of seeking it.’’ 


290 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Perfectly sound, as he was, on the doctrine that the Bible was 
the inspired revelation of the will of God, the only rational thing to 
Bush was to learn what the Bible called for, and to do it. When he 
became convinced of the error of former views, he not only aban- 
doned them, but felt that failure to proclaim the newly realized 
truth would be ‘‘hiding his ight under a bushel.’’ Of necessity 
such a course was disconcerting to others who had established 
views, but there was no other choice for him. After leaving Indi- 
anapolis he took up literary work, for which he was peculiarly 
fitted, and in which he soon attained deserved preeminence. 

His first recorded work after leaving Indianapolis was ‘‘Serip- 
ture Questions for Bible Classes for Adults. Deut.—kEKst.’’ pub- 
lished in 1829. This was followed by ‘‘Questions and Notes, Criti- 
cal and Practical, upon the Book of Genesis, Designed for Help to 
Biblical Instruction,’’ in 1831. In this year he was elected Pro- 
fessor of Hebrew and Oriental Literature in the University of the 
City of New York, and also chosen Superintendent of the Press of 
the American Bible Society. In 1832 his ‘‘Life of Mohammed”’ ap- 
peared as Vol. 10 of Harper’s Family Library. In 1833 he pub- 
lished his ‘‘Questions and Notes, Critical and Practical, upon 
Leviticus.’’ In 1834 he issued some numbers of a ‘‘Commentary 
on the Book of Psalms,’’ which was never completed. In 1835 he 
published his ‘‘Hebrew Grammar, for the use of Schools, Semin- 
aries, and Universities,’’ of which a second edition appeared in 
1838. In 1836 he published a large volume of ‘‘Scripture Illus- 
trations,’ compiled from the latest works of tourists, archaeolo- 
gists and commentators. In 1840 he began the publication of his 
‘‘Commentaries on the Old Testament,’’ which, under the com- 
mon title of ‘‘Bush’s Notes,’’ was perhaps his most widely known 
work. In 1844 he began the publication of ‘‘The Hierophant,’’ a 
monthly magazine, devoted especially to prophecy. 

During these years Prof. Bush had been moving toward a 
purely spiritual interpretation of the Scriptures, and especially of 
prophecy. He maintained that Bible prophecy did not predict a 
destruction of the world by fire, and if such result was to come it 
was to be learned rather ‘“‘from the apocalypse of Newton, La- 
place and Herschell, than from that of John.’’ In 1845 he shocked 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 291 


the orthodox world by the publication of ‘‘ Anastasis, or the Doc- 
trine of the Resurrection of the Body, Rationally and Spiritually 
Considered,’’ in which he opposed the doctrine of material resur- 
rection. Criticism came so fast that he issued, ‘‘The Resurrection 
of Christ, in answer to the question whether He arose in a Spirit- 
ual and Celestial, or in a Material and Earthly Body,’’ and an- 
other treatise entitled, ‘‘The Soul.”’ 

And now came his change of affiliation. He was not ‘‘con- 
verted’’ by the writings of Swendenborg, but a lady, who heard 
him, spoke to him of the similarity of his views to those of Sweden- 
borg. He examined Swedenborg’s writings, and found himself so 
nearly in accord with them that he openly announced the fact, and 
united with the ‘‘New Church.’’ He did not adopt all of Sweden- 
borg’s doctrines, and particularly not the doctrine of restriction to 
the Lord’s Prayer. He was peculiarly a man of prayer all through 
his hfe. He wrestled with the Lord, not as the Patriarch for one 
night, but night after night, and day after day. 

His accession to the New Church was important to it, for he 
became its leading and most effective advocate. His writings from 
this time on are too numerous to mention, and were largely con- 
troversial, but of the best style. He answered Emerson’s original 
lecture on Swedenborg so effectually that Emerson’s reply was a 
revision of his lecture to the present complementary form in which 
it is printed. He had occasion to answer many others, for the 
great guns of orthodoxy were turned on him. His past works, 
which had met wide favor, were now largely condemned, and his 
income from that source decreased 80 per cent. More painful to 
him than this, many of his former friends abandoned him as if he 
were a leper. 

Within the New Church he was an accepted authority every- 
where until 1855, when he alienated many Southern admirers by 
his ‘‘ Aphorisms on Slavery and Abolition.’’ But a wider response 
of indignant opposition came on his publication, in 1857, of 
‘*Priesthood and Clergy unknown to Christianity,’’ which struck 
the New Church belief as hard as any other. In his introduction 
he says: ‘‘Let us have a fair understanding with each other at the 
outset. ‘Priesthood and Clergy unknown to Christianity’ does not 


292 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


imply the denial of a divine Priesthood in Christ, nor of a Spirit- 
ual Priesthood as pertaining to all his true people. This we admit, 
of course. Our object is in fact to deny the existence of any other 
Priesthood, in a just view of the Christian economy. We go 
against all Priesthood and Clergy visibly and externally embodied 
in a distinct class or caste. Our scope ‘hath this extent, no more.’ ”’ 

Not long after this, failing health required him to retire from 
active work. He died September 19, 1859, in peace, and in full 
possession of his faculties. His was a strange life, in which almost 
every temporal hope of advantage was sacrificed to a sense of 
duty; and at each unpopular step he was on record with antici- 
pation of its unpopularity. His great learning was unquestioned. 
In his ‘‘Prose Writers of America,’’ Mr. Griswold, who was very 
fully acquainted with contemporary authorship, calls him ‘‘one of 
the most profound and ingenious scholars of the present age.’’ 
That only made his unusual views the more dangerous. 


REV. JOHN R. MORELAND 
Mr. Jacosp P. DUNN 


The somewhat heated controversy over the merits of Dr. Bush 
not only left a rather distorted view of him, but also cast reflections 
upon the scholastic qualifications of his successor. The strongest 
plea made by the supporters of Dr. Bush was his unusual learn- 
ing, and, by natural human process they railed at Mr. Moreland as 
ignorant in comparison, which was good enough ammunition, for 
Dr. Bush was unquestionably the most learned clergyman in Indi- 
ana in his day. é 

Not only is it true that ‘‘The evil that men do lives after them,’’ 
but its effects too often increase with the flight of time. And 
so it came to pass that later comers, like Mr. Greene, voiced the dis- 
torted tradition. Dr. Edson, who came still later, says: ‘‘Mr. More- 
land had spent the earlier years of his life as a boatman on the 
Ohio, and had enjoyed but small opportunities to obtain an edu- 
cation. His style of preaching was somewhat rough, but full of 
warmth and energy and often productive of the deepest impres- 
sions. His pastorate was terminated by his death, Oct. 13th, 1832.’’ 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 293 


It is quite probable that Dr. Edson would have considered the 
preaching of Peter Cartwright, John Strange, and other frontier 
orators ‘‘somewhat rough.’’ Suppose he could have heard Strange, 
when some sinner cried out under conviction of sin, shout: ‘‘A 
eenter shot, Lord! Load and fire again!’’ Unquestionably it 
would have shocked him; although he had himself talked about 
‘‘the sword of the Lord.’’ Strange simply had the literary genius 
to make a novel metaphor that his hearers would understand; and 
in reality a better metaphor than the sword figure. But it was 
novel, and that shocks conservatism, especially in religious mat- 
ters. 

John Robertson Moreland was a frontier product, born in the 
wilds of western Pennsylvania, in 1785. A few months after his 
birth his father was killed by Indians while crossing the Monon- 
gahela river in a canoe. Frontier biographical records are com- 
monly brief, and his was no exception. The first we find of him 
was in 1803, when he went to New Orleans on a flat-boat belonging 
to his uncle, who was engaged in the New Orleans trade. So far 
as known this was the extent of his flat-boating, for in walking 
back from New Orleans he contracted measles, and after a success- 
ful struggle with this, he stopped in Kentucky to visit his aunt, 
Mrs. Elizabeth MceGohon, and other Kentucky kin. A flatboat trip 
was a very common experience of pioneer youth of spirit, who He 
any desire to see the world. 

But during his Kentucky visit the great Cane Run revival 
occurred, and young Moreland was one of the converts. It does 
not appear that his mind was at once turned to the ministry, but it 
is probable that in his life, after his return to Pennsylvania, it 
was observed that he had ‘‘the gift of speech,’’ and he finally 
took up the work of the theological education of the day. It is 
known that he returned to Kentucky and attended the seminary at 
Danville. It is known that he read theology with Dr. Thomas 
Cleland, who was one of the Kentucky clergy who had a ‘‘library,’’ 
and who made it accessible to students who showed fitness. The 
records of Transylvania University were largely destroyed by 
fire, but those remaining show that Moreland was a student there 


294. CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


in 1810-12, specializing in science and languages. He was licensed 
to preach in 1813. 

It is notable that there is no contemporary record of criticism 
of either the education or the preaching of Mr. Moreland. He held 
his first pastorate for twelve years, with entire satisfaction, doing 
also occasional missionary and supply work, as was customary. 
From his second pastorate he was called to Indianapolis. Two of 
the elders who called him, Ebenezer Sharpe and John Brown, had 
been members of the church at Paris, Ky. when Moreland sup- 
plied that pulpit in 1814; and Ebenezer Sharpe was professor of 
languages at Transylvania when Moreland was specializing in 
languages there. The supposition that Ebenezer Sharpe did not 
know when a preacher was properly educated, or that he would 
join in calling one who was not, disposes of any question as to 
Moreland’s educational status with Indianapolis people. 

It is obvious that the church did not make any mistake as to 
the kind of pastor it needed. In three and one-half years of Dr. 
Bush’s ministry there had been 39 accessions to the church. Mr. 
Moreland arrived on Dec. 9, 1828, and in the sixteen months to 
April 1, 1880, there were 80 accessions, one half of which were on 
examination. ; | : 

In this connection, it is also interesting to note the views of 
the laity. Judge Banta was certainly a man of culture, who had 
heard Mr. Moreland, and he describes him as ‘‘tall and ecommand- 
ing in his person, affectionate, social, enthusiastic and eloquent.”’ 
Judge Mills, of Kentucky, father of Rev. Thornton A. Mills, and 
a former parishioner of Moreland, says of him: ‘‘He came nearer 
being an apostolic preacher than any I ever heard; he preached 
fearlessly, but not vindictively, and his appeals to unrepentant 
sinners were fervent.’’ Mrs. Jane Ketcham, who was of a pro- 
Bush family, recorded her childhood impression of Mr. Moreland, 
that he was ‘‘a real revival preacher who meant good and was 
good. He wept with his congregation.’’ With preacher and con- 
gregation both in tears, it is safe to say there had been some effec- 
tive oratory. 

It is also notable that Mr. Moreland was repeatedly put in 
positions of responsibility and honor by his fellow ministers in the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 295 


church organization; and perhaps most memorable of all, when 
he was called from earth it was by special request of the elders of 
his church that there was inscribed on his tombstone: ‘‘He was a 
Friend of God.’’ In view of these facts, it would appear that 
church history needs some revision. 


REV. JOHN A. McCLUNG 
Mr. Jacosp P. DuNN 


There would be no general expectation of finding the author 
of a ‘‘best-seller’’ among the ministers of the First Presbyterian 
Church; but Dr. McClung wrote a book so widely read that it be- 
longs in the class with ‘‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’’ and ‘‘Ben Hur.’’ In 
fact it may be said that anybody who has read Indian stories at all 
has read some that appeared originally in his ‘‘Sketches of 
Western Adventure.”’ 

John Alexander McClung was born in Mason County, Ky., 
September 25, 1804. His father, Judge William McClung, an able 
jurist, died when he was quite young; and the boy’s early training 
was by his mother, who was a very superior woman. She was a 
daughter of Colonel Thomas Marshall, of Virginia, and a sister of 
Chief Justice Marshall. When sufficiently advanced, John was 
sent to the Buck Pond academy, where he was under supervision 
of his uncle, Dr. Louis Marshall. 

In the spring of 1820, a number of the boys at the academy 
were converted at a revival held at Pisgah meeting house, McClung 
among them. Soon after there was an epidemic of ‘‘malignant 
fever’’ in the school, and between it and the calomel he took to 
cure it, young McClung’s health was permanently impaired. He 
entered Princeton at eighteen, to prepare for the ministry, but was 
obliged to quit in 1824 on account of poor health. In 1825 he 
married Miss Eliza Johnston, a sister of Gen. Albert Sydney 
Johnston. | | 

He had continued his theological studies, and in 1828, was h- 
censed to preach, which he did with more than usual success until 
he was thrown into a state of doubt by reading an argument of 
Hume against the Scriptures which he was unable to answer. His 


296 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


faith was so unsettled that in 1831 he requested the Presbytery 
to relieve him from the duty of preaching. He took up the study 
of law and was admitted to the bar in 1835. He attained promi- 
nence both at the bar and in politics, and was for four years 
speaker of the Kentucky House of Representatives. In 1848 he 
read an answer to Hume by Sir David Dalrymple which satisfied 
him; and in 1849 he was again ordained. He preached for a time 
at Louisville, and was then called to Indianapolis. 


In 1830, McClung had published an historical novel entitled 
‘‘Camden,’’ centering about the battle at that place. In 1831, at 
the request of his life long friend, Judge Lewis Collins, editor of 
the Maysville Eagle, he began a series of articles in that paper, re- 
counting the adventures of the early settlers. The material was 
chiefly at first-hand, McClung being personally acquainted with 
the Boones, Poes, Harrods, Kentons, and other pioneer families. 
The articles were reprinted by Collins in 1832, in book form; and 
apparently were printed in Philadelphia at the same time, as some 
copies have the imprint of Grigg & Elliott of that city. 


The book was very popular, and ran through numerous editions 
at various places, and by various publishers. It was ‘‘pirated’’ ex- 
tensively, with varying illustrations, and in the later editions with 
additional stories. The original book bore the title, ‘‘Sketches of 
Western Adventure,’’ but its most common form at present is 
ealled ‘‘Thrilling Adventures of the Early Settlers.’’ McClung’s 
original stories are preserved throughout, and have fixed the his- 
torical characters of the actors as firmly as Shakespeare’s histori- 
eal plays have fixed English historical characters. 


Dr. McClung left Indianapolis to accept a call to Augusta, Ga. 
He had declined calls to Cincinnati and New Orleans, and an elec- 
tion as President of South Hanover College, but went to Augusta 
in hope of benefiting his health. In this he was disappointed, and 
he was obliged to resign his charge in a few months, and retire 
from work. In 1857 he accepted a call from Maysville, Ky. and 
again found his health unequal to the task. In 1859 he started on 
a trip for recuperation, on August 6 arriving at Tonawanda, nine 
miles above Niagara Falls, on the river. He walked to Schlosser’s 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 297 


landing, where his clothing was later found on the dock. Four 
days later his body was recovered near the mouth of the river. 


It had long been his habit to take long walks, and to bathe in 
cold water daily. He was a strong swimmer, but he was not 
acquainted with the danger of the current at this point. He was 
buried in the Niagara Fort cemetery but his remains were later 
removed to Maysville, and reburied with impressive ceremonies. 


REV. PHINEAS D. GURLEY, D.D. 


(The following sketch of Dr. Gurley is taken largely from a brief history 
of the First Presbyterian Church published several years ago in the Indian- 
apolis Times. ) 

In the fall of 1840, after the Rev. Samuel Fulton had served as 
stated supply for six months, the First Church called as pastor the 
Rev. Phineas Densmore Gurley, who retained his connection there- 
with from December, 1840, until November, 1849, nine years lacking 
only a few days—the longest pastorate but one, in the history of 
the church. There was no period in the early life of the church 
when it enjoyed greater prosperity or had a more influential pul- 
pit than during Dr. Gurley’s ministry, and yet the years that were 
spent in Indianapolis by that able and afterward widely-known 
clergyman were but the opening of his ministerial career, as he 
came here immediately after his graduation from Princeton Theo- 
logical Seminary. Dr. Gurley was not only a preacher of unusual 
ability, clear and forceful, solemn and deliberate, but as a man he 
was possessed of a most genial and winning disposition, which en- 
deared him to his congregation and personal friends, and opened 
a way for him to the hearts of all he met, in public and in private, 
on the street and in the home. One who knew Dr. Gurley well, 
both in this city and elsewhere, has written the following: 

‘*He was a man who knew how to approach all kinds of people, 
and never failed to impress them, no matter how hardened they 
might be toward others. People seemed to feel that he understood 
all about their troubles and could sympathize with, and encourage 
them better than anyone else. Then he had a fine, deep, musical 
voice, which he knew well how to use both in preaching and in 


298 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


conversation. Although he had a ready flow of language, it was 
his habit to write his sermons and deliver them from manuscript. 


‘‘The congregation, during Dr. Gurley’s pastorate, included 
Governor Samuel Bigger, who was elected to the eldership while 
Governor of the state, Judges Dewey, Blackford and Sullivan of 
the Supreme Court, and many of the most prominent public men 
of the city, and his sermons were especially appreciated by the 
legal fraternity. The Doctor was indeed a favorite with the pub- 
lie men of the state, and exercised a large influence in laying the 
foundations of several of our most important charities, the Blind 
Asylum and Deaf and Dumb Institute both having been started as 
state institutions, principally as the result of his personal interest 
and activity in behalf of the afflicted and distressed. He aroused 
sympathy for the blind by bringing to the city a blind family from 
Danville, Kentucky, very sweet singers, and having them sing 
before the legislature. The effect was so great upon the mem- 
bers that an appropriation for the establishment of a school for the 
blind was the immediate result.’’ 


It was in the first year of Dr. Gurley’s pastorate that prepara- 
tions were made for building a new church home, and the corner 
of Market and Circle streets was agreed upon as the site. The 
corner-stone was laid October 7, 1841, and the new brick church 
was dedicated May 6, 1848, and occupied until 1866, when it gave 
way to the structure on New York and Pennsylvania streets. 


From the pastorate of this church, Dr. Gurley was called to 
the First Presbyterian Church of Dayton, Ohio, and then to the 
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church of Washington, D. C., 
which he served for fifteen years, until his death in 1868. There 
he built up a large, strong church. President Lincoln was a regu- 
lar attendant and close friend of the pastor. Mrs. Lincoln had 
her membership there and the Lincoln pew is marked in the 
church today. With few exceptions, Sundays found Lincoln in 
his pew listening intently while Dr. Gurley expounded the Scrip- 
tures and the doctrines of Calvin. It was Dr. Gurley who attended 
the dying President’s bedside, made the funeral address in the 
Kast Room of the White House, accompanied the family to Spring- 





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First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 299 


field for the burial, and composed the hymn which was sung as 
the martyred President’s body was lowered into the grave. 

Dr. Gurley’s labors in Washington were not confined to the 
New York Avenue Chureh. He founded a mission in another sec- 
tion of the city, and the beautiful new building at Sixteenth and 
Newton streets in our national capital stands as an enduring monu- 
ment to his work in that vicinity. From a small beginning in 
1866, when he and his assistants started a Sabbath School in a 
room over a car stable, gathering in the children of the neighbor- 
hood, the organization, having developed into a church called the 
Gurley Memorial, steadily gathered strength through the years. 
It outgrew successively five different buildings, and, joining re- 
eently with a sister church in Washington, the united congrega- 
tions have just completed and occupied their handsome new 
church home. 

The following is an extract from a tribute to Dr. Gurley written 
at the time of his death by a fellow pastor in Washington, D. C.: 

‘*The death of Dr. Gurley has not only left sorrow in the hearts 
of all who knew him, but has made a profound impression upon 
the churches of all denominations in this city. It could not have 
been otherwise. For many years he had been one of the leading 
ministers here, occupying a representative station before the 
country, pastor of three or four Presidents, Chaplain to Congress, 
and friend and adviser of many of the first men of the nation. 
Dr. Gurley was one whose counsel was sought upon many im- 
portant subjects outside of his religious duties, and he was repeat- 
edly called in to advise confidentially in times of national dark- 
ness and danger, when the wisest consideration was demanded. 
He was very modest and made no boast of these things; but in his 
quiet and confiding manner, with intimate friends he would nar- 
rate with graphic distinctness the scenes through which he had 
passed. Dr. Gurley was not ambitious. He simply took what the 
Church gave, and rose as the wave bore him up on its crest. Be- 
sides the positions upon Boards and in Theological Seminaries 
pressed upon him, a number of the most prominent pulpits in the 
East and West at different times made overtures to him. But in 
all these things he bore himself with great modesty and humility. 


300 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Above all, he sought in all things to be directly led of God, and 
his closet was his council chamber. From this walk with God 
there came forth an authoritative air of sincerity, earnestness, and 
a force of personal conviction that deeply impressed the hearer. 
The preaching of Dr. Gurley, in slow and stately solemnity, was 
confined with remarkable closeness to the great essential doctrines 
of the cross. There was no phrase more frequently upon his lips, 
as his constant hearers will bear witness, than ‘Christ and Him 
crucified.’ This was the theme on which he loved to dwell. His 
discourses were steeped in the Scriptures, and his hearers were 
nourished by the sincere milk of the Word. God’s blessing natur- 
ally followed such preaching and sinners were converted, as well 
as saints built up in the faith.”’ 

Dr. Gurley’s death occurred September 30, 1868. Of his im- 
mediate family, which consisted of three sons and two daughters, 
the only survivor is his daughter, Mrs. Emma H. Adams of Wash- 
ington, D. C., widow of Dr. James Osgood Adams. Another 
daughter was the wife of Colonel Wiliam Anthony Elderkin, U. 
S. A. It is an eloquent tribute to Dr. Gurley’s memory that three 
of his grandsons are actively engaged in the gospel ministry: the 
Rev. Melville B. Gurley, Chaplain The Berry Schools, Mt. Berry, 
Ga.; the Rev. Alvin B. Gurley, Associate Minister Second Presby- 
terian Church, Phila., Pa; and the Rev. Richard H. Gurley, Rec- 
tor of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Radnor, Pa.,—all sons of 
the late William Brooks Gurley of Washington, D. C. 


REV. J. P. E. KUMLER, D. D. 


(Taken in part from sketch published in a Pittsburgh paper at the 
time of his death.) 


Dr. Kumler, one of the beloved pastors of the First Church, 
was installed October 1, 1871, and resigned September 14, 1875, to 
accept a call to the Third Presbyterian Church of Cincinnati, 
Ohio. 

‘‘Dr. Kumler was born at Lewisburg, Preble County, Ohio, on 
August 16, 1830. His father’s family came from Switzerland, 
where they were a part of the sturdy, industrious, and virtuous 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 301 


people of that country. They settled in the town of Hamilton, 
Butler County, Ohio. Many of them were college graduates— 
lawyers, doctors, Presbyterian ministers, and members of other 
professions. When the subject of this sketch was twelve years of 
age the family removed to Millvale, Ohio, where he was educated 
in the public schools and ‘‘the Institute’’ presided over by Dr. 
Seott, father of the late Benjamin Harrison’s first wife. At twen- 
ty years of age, when his father’s family removed to Oxford, Dr. 
Kumler entered the Miami University. On graduation in 1853 he 
went to Lane Theological Seminary at Cincinnati, Ohio, from 
which he was graduated in May, 1856. In October of that year he 
was married to Abigail Golding. 


‘*On leaving the theological seminary Dr. Kumler became pastor 
of the Presbyterian church at Greenville, Ohio. His next charge 
was the Presbyterian church at Oxford, Ohio, in which his father 
was an elder. From there he went to the Presbyterian church at 
Evansville, Indiana, of which the Honorable John B. Foster, after- 
ward Secretary of State, was an elder. Thence he was called to 
First Church, Indianapolis, of which Benjamin Harrison, after- 
ward President of the United States, was an elder. From Indi- 
anapolis, Dr. Kumler went to the Third Church at Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and from there to the East Liberty Presbyterian Church at 
Pittsburgh, Pa. During his pastorate at Pittsburgh the East Lib- 
erty Church grew from a membership of 533, under his prudent, 
faithful and powerful ministrations, to 1,309, and he received 1,- 
584 members. On December 30, 1900, Dr. Kumler resigned the 
pastorate of the East Liberty Church. At the congregational 
meeting which followed, resolutions were adopted affirming and 
placing on record the congregation’s love and esteem for him and 
expressing profound sorrow that the weight of years led him to 
think the work too arduous. The resolutions recalled how he had 
also endeared himself to the hearts of the people of the commu- 
nity. The Presbyterian Banner in its editorial at the time said: 
‘“No minister has ever done better work in Pittsburgh, and he will 
carry with him the respect and love of all our people. Such de- 
votion is one of the richest rewards of the ministry and Dr. Kum- 
ler has nobly earned it.’’ On December 31, 1903, the congregation 


302 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of the East Liberty Church dedicated the large and splendidly 
equipped Kumler Memorial Sabbath School building at a cost of 
$85,000, on which occasion Dr. Kumler participated in the admin- 
istration of the Lord’s Supper. The degree of doctor of divinity 
was conferred upon Dr. Kumler by Lane Theological Sem- 
inary at Cincinnati, and that of doctor of laws by Miami Univer- 
sity at Oxford, Ohio. 

‘‘One who knew Dr. Kumler well paid him the following trib- 
ute: ‘It was no ordinary privilege to come into close contact with 
such a man as he was. His was one of those rare characters for 
which one’s admiration increased just in proportion aS one was 
permitted to look down into his heart and note the springs of 
action. A warmer or more sympathetic heart never tenanted a 
human bosom. The uplift of his influence lives beyond the years 
of a mortal life!’ No uncertain note was ever heard from his 
lips. Eloquent, evangelistic, biblical, and spiritual, his words 
were blessed abundantly. In addition, during all his ministerial 
labors his work was marvelously seconded by the untiring and un- 
selfish labor of his noble and consecrated helpmate. Dr. Kumler’s 
death occurred on January 3,1909. He is survived by two daugh- 
ters, the elder the wife of John B. Wight, at one time a commis- 
sioner at Washington for the District of Columbia, and the young- 
er the wife of William M. McKelvy, formerly vice-president of the 
Standard Oil Company of Pittsburg.’’ 


[Copy of original manuscript of the first document relating to Presby- 
terianism in Indianapolis, which records the election of Trustees of the 
Presbyterian Society, the adoption of building plans for the Presbyterian 
Church (later the First Presbyterian), and the election of a committee 
to organize the Union Sabbath School. ] 


Presbyterian Church, Trustees’ Election, March 22, 1823 
Committee to form a Sunday School 


At a meeting of a very respectable number of persons con- 
tributing to the temporal support of the Presbyterian worship in 
the County of Marion, held on Saturday the 22d day of March, 1823, 
at the School House in Indianapolis, pursuant to public notice given 
by publication two weeks heretofore in numbers 1 and 2 of the 
Western Censor, and in numbers 48, 49 and 50 of the Ind. Gazette, 
the two newspapers published in said town,—present, Isaac Coe, 
Danel Yandes, Harvey Gregg, James Linton, James Blake, Caleb 
Scudder, D. B. Wick, Alex. Frazier, John T. Osborn, Hervey Ma- 
gure, Douglass McGuire, Samuel Morrow, William New, John E. 
Baker, H. G. L. Dunlap, K. A. Scudder, S. G. Mitchell, Nathaniel 
Bolton, John Hays, Noah Leaverton, Jeremiah Johnson, Robert 
Culberson, Robert Siddill, John Wilken, James Paxton, Joseph 
Clark, Wilkes Reagan, B. F. Morris, John Packer, George G. Larue, 
C, Fletcher, Joseph C. Reed, Obed Foote, I. P. Duvall, and James 
M. Ray; 


Whereupon, on motion, Harvey Gregg was appointed Charr- 
man, and James M. Ray, Secretary. Inasmuch as there has been 
no legal election of Trustees, on motion, the above persons, being 
a majority of the persons contributing as above, proceeded to the 
election of five Trustees, to compose a body corporate under the 
laws of the State of Indiana, approved the first day of January 
1820, for the purpose of holding real estate in the County of 
Marion, on which to erect a building for public worship, and a 
school house, which election was, on motion, resolved to be taken by 
ballot. And, thereupon, on canvassing the votes of the above 
persons, subscribers, the result was that Harvey Gregg, Daniel 
Yandes, James Blake, Isaac Coe, and William W. Wick were 
duly elected Trustees of the Presbyterian Society at Indianapolis, 


in the County of Marion, Indiana, thirty-five votes having been 
taken, of which number each of said persons had a majority. 

On motion, Resolved, that the above proceedings be recorded 
in the Recorder’s office of this County, pursuant to law. 


H. Gregg, Chairman. 
Attest, 
J. M. Ray, Secretary. 


The Presbyterian Society met, as above, on the 22d day of 
March, 1823, present, as within mentioned, being thirty-five im 
number, Harvey Gregg, Chairman, and J. M. Ray, Secretary. 


On motion, Resolved, nem. can., Dr. Isaac Coe, Daniel Yandes 
and James Blake having made known to this meeting now that the 
most expensive plan, proposed by Dr. Coe, shall be erected, that 
the said plan be adopted by this meeting; that the Trustees this 
day elected are by this meeting endued with full power to carry the 
plan into effect, and are, therefore, acknowledged and constituted 
payees of the subscription to said plan. 


Adjourned, H. Gregg, Chairman. 
Attest, J. M. Ray, Secy. 


On motion, Resolved, that David C. Proctor, John Hawkins, 
Tsaac Coe, Lismund Basye, John McClung are elected a Committee 
to draft a constitution to organize a Sunday School,* who are to 
meet here on next Thursday Hvening at 4 o’clock. 


*[It will be noted that, in taking the initiative in the Sunday School 
movement, the Presbyterians designed from the outset that it should be 
a co-operative enterprise—a union Sunday School—-participated in by all 
the denominations of the place. To this end, they elected only two of 
their own number to membership on the committee of organization— 
the Rev. Mr. Proctor, Stated Supply of the Presbyterian Society, and 
Dr. Isaac Coe. The other three members elected by the Presbyterians 
to this committee were leaders in their respective denominations— 
Lismund Basye, a Methodist, the Rev. John McClung, a Campbellite, 
and John Hawkins, probably a Baptist. The last three named were, 
of course, not in attendance upon this gathering of Presbyterians, but 
were appointed by them at this meeting to serve on the committee to 
form a union Sunday School. The call for the first meeting of the 
Union Sabbath School, which appeared in the issue of the Indianapolis 
Gazette of April 5, 1823, was issued by this committee. ] 


CHAPTER IX 


RECORDS OF THE SESSION OF THE FIRST PRESBYTER- 
IAN CHURCH, INDIANAPOLIS 


(From July 5, 1823 to March 29, 1831. These furnish informa- 
tion of value regarding the life of the church during the first eight 
years of its existence.) 


Minutes of the Formation and Proceedings of the Presbyter- 
ian Church of Christ at Indianapolis, Indiana. 


Indianapolis, July 5, 1823. 

In pursuance of public notice, those persons desirous of being 
formed into a Presbyterian Church, met at 9 o’clock A. M. in a 
building belonging to Caleb Scudder in which public worship has 
usually been held. 

The Rey. Isaac Reed, a member of the Louisville Presbytery, 
within whose bounds this place is situated, and the Rev. David C. 
Proctor, now statedly labouring with this people being present, the 
Rev. Isaac Reed was designated as moderator and Isaac Coe acted 
as clerk: 

When Isaae Coe and Rebecca Coe his wife, Caleb Scudder, 
Alexander Frazer, Margaret Walpole, Isabella Kimberly, Mary 
Baker and Ann Burton respectively produced to the clergymen 
present, certificates, duly authenticated, of their membership and 
good standing in the Presbyterian Church in other places; and 
Jane Duke, Margaret Frazer, Laura Osborn and Mary Scudder, 
being examined as to their faith in Christ and their knowledge and 
belief of the doctrines of the Scriptures and satisfactory evidence 
thereon obtained, as well as of their previous baptism and Chris- 
tian deportment, were admitted as suitable persons to enjoy the 
privileges of the church in full communion; Laura Finch Wick,* 





*Laura Finch Wick, wife of Judge William W. Wick, and sister of 
Judge Fabius M. Finch. 
303 


304 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Ann Yandes, Mary Ann Kimberly, who had not been baptized, ex- 
hibiting on similar examination like satisfactory evidence, were 
also deemed fit persons to be received into full communion in the 
Presbyterian Church after they shall have been baptized. Where- 
upon the above named persons assented individually to the follow- 
ing articles of profession and covenant, viz: 


We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be 
the Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and prac- 
tice ; 

We believe in the doctrines of original sin (depravity) and re- 
generation by the Holy Spirit; 

We rely entirely on the blood and merits of Christ as our 
ground of acceptance with God; 

We believe the sacraments of the New Testament to be baptism 
and the Lord’s Supper; that baptism is to be administered to be- 
lievers in Christ and to their children, and the Lord’s Supper is 
only to be administered to those who give evidence of a religious 
experience and make a creditable profession of Christian faith; 

We approve of the government and discipline of the Presby- 
terian Church in these United States; 

We now covenant together to live as Christian brethren in fel- 
lowship with and watchfulness over each other, submitting our- 
selves to the orderly administration of government and discipline 
in this Church, and we promise to sanctify the Sabbath and to be 
diligent and regular in attendance on the public worship of the 
Church: 


After which the church thus formed was constituted by the 
moderator with prayer. 

At eleven o’clock the Rev. William Martin and the Rev. Ezra 
H. Day arrived and the church adjourned to attend public wor- 
ship at the Presbyterian meeting house, now erecting, where, after 
a sermon by Rev. William Martin, Ann Yandes, Laura Finch Wick, 
Mary Ann Kimberly, above named, were baptized by the Rev. 
David C. Proctor, and after the close of the religious services, the 
church proceeded to elect two ruling elders, when Caleb Scudder 
and Isaac Coe were duly chosen and on being questioned by the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 305 


moderator consented to serve in the office to which they were 
elected. 

The succeeding day being Sabbath, the elders thus chosen were 
during the hours of public worship ordained to their office and 
the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper administered to the church; 
and Isabella Coddington, having produced a certificate of good 
standing in the Hopewell Church, was admitted by the session. 

On the Monday following, after close of the monthly concert 
for prayer, it was unanimously resolved that this church request 
to be taken under the care of the Louisville Presbytery. 

Isaac Coe, Clerk. Isaac Reed, Moderator. 


OBSERVATIONS ON THE FORMATION AND STATE OF 
THE PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION IN WHICH 
THIS CHURCH IS FORMED 


In October, 1821, the lots on which the town stands were first 
in part sold and in July preceding the lands around were opened 
for sale; a few families had, however, settled in and around the 
town the year previous. August, 1821, the Rev. Mr. Gaines visited 
the place as a missionary and preached three or four sermons. 

May 1822, the Rev. David ©. Proctor, from the Connecticut 
Missionary Society, spent about a week in this place and preached 
four or five times, and a subscription was circulated to procure 
half his services for one year from the lst of October ensuing. 
About a week or ten days afterwards, the Rev. Mr. Reed, from the 
Board of Missions, visited this place and preached three or four 
times. 

October 1, 1822, Mr. Proctor returned and $400 or up- 
wards having been subscribed, it was agreed that Mr. Proctor 
should spend three-fourths of his time for one year with us for 
what should be collected on the subscription. 

March, 18238, a subscription was circulated for building a meet- 
ing house* 54 by 34, which was raised the last of May and worship 
held in it Bae sixth of July. 


arahig was the first church edifice of any denomination erected in 
Indianapolis, official action toward its building having been taken as 
recorded in document opposite page 302.] 


306 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


October 1, 1823, the time for which the Rev. Mr. Proctor was 
engaged having expired, the congregation became vacant. _ 

In December or January, the Rev. Mr. Moreland of Kentucky, 
passing through this place, preached an evening sermon. 

February, 1824, the Rev. Isaac Reed visited this place and spent 
nearly a week—preached several times and baptized 5 children 
who are entered on the table of baptisms, and administered on 
the 22nd instant the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. 

MINUTES OF THE CHURCH (Continued) 

In July, 1823, the church resolved to hold a weekly prayer 
meeting, to be public and on Wednesday, except the week in which 
the monthly concert of prayer occurred, when it should be on Sat- 
urday and confined to the members of the church. This meeting 
was continued until about the Ist of October when from sickness 
and unavoidable absence of many of the members it suffered an 
interruption until the month of November when it was again re- 
sumed and the elders combined with it a course of religious exam- 
ination, the alternate meetings being devoted to examination on the 
Scriptures commencing with the New Testament in course and the 
Confession of Faith, beginning with the Shorter Catechism. 

These meetings, about the Ist of May, 1824 were altered to Sab- 
bath afternoon. 

September, 1823. The following constitution of a library* for 
the church was adopted, viz: 

The Presbyterian Church at Indianapolis, believing the reading 
of well chosen religious books eminently calculated to increase 
Christian knowledge and improve Christian practice, and desiring 
to place such works more easily within reach of its members, their 
families and such others as may be disposed to enjoy the benefits 
thereof, propose forming a library of doctrinal, practical, histori- 
cal and periodical religious works, and imploring the direction of 
the Great Head of the Church and His blessing on this attempt to 
promote the interests of His kingdom, we establish the following 
regulations, viz: 

1. Every person contributing to the library in approved books 
or money to be entitled to one share for every dollar contributed, 


*See page 407. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 307 


which may lie dormant, without expense, or if used, the owner 
shall contribute twelve and one-half cents in advance for every 
quarter of a year. 

II. Books will be received as presents or on loan. Those pre- 
sented shall forever continue the property of the church; those on 
loan shall be returned whenever called for by the owner, and, if 
Injured, the damage made good. 

III. The session of the church shall manage the library, pre- 
scribe such rules and regulations and purchase such books as they 
shall deem expedient, and do all other things necessary to be done 
to promote and carry into effect the object intended. 

IV. The session shall have power, and it shall be their duty to 
grant the use of the library freely to any member of this church 
whom they shall deem unable to contribute to its funds and who 
shall conform to such regulations as shall be prescribed for the use 
thereof. | 

V. <A majority of shareholders who are also members of the 
Presbyterian Church may alter this constitution. 


February 20th, Curtis Mallory and Nancy his wife were re- 
ceived by the session as members of this church on letter from the 
Congregational Church of Rutland, New York and Ann Lawrence 
from the Presbyterian Church of Troy, Ohio. 

Isaac Coe, Clerk 


May 1, 1824. The above entries having been made in the re- 
cess of session were this day in meeting of the session approved 
thereby. 

May 29, 1824. Also on the same day the session of the church 
met and on examination admitted Reid B. Lawrence and Mrs. 
Christina Pence, persons who had been previously baptized, as 
members of this church. 

Isaac Reed, Moderator. 


May 30, 1824. Session met and admitted to membership John 
Johnson and Jane his wife and Betsy Reddick, his daughter, on 
certificate from the church of Smyrna, Ohio, Mrs. Phanuel Gra- 


308 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ham on certificate from the church in McConnelstown, Pa., and 
Isaac Smock and Rachael his wife on certificate from church of 
New Providence, Kentucky, after which the sacrament of the 
Lord’s Supper was administered to the church by the Rev. Isaac 
Reed. On Friday preceding, Joseph Trimble, a licentiate and 
missionary from the Board of Missions of the General Assembly 
preached, and on Saturday, Sabbath and Monday. The Rev. Mr. 
Reed preached on Saturday and Sabbath in the meeting house and 
on Tuesday at Col. Kimberly’s. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


CHURCH MINUTES (Continued) 

The public worship on the Sabbath and the course of examina- 
tion in the Scriptures and Shorter Catechism were continued until 
July 9, 1824, by the elders of the church. At that time, the Rev. 
George Bush*, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York, arrived 
from New Jersey and commenced preaching to the congregation. 

The circumstances under which Mr. Bush visited us were as 
follows: 

Soon after Mr. Proctor left this congregation in October, 1823, 
a committee consisting of B. S. Morris, James Blake and Isaae Coe 
were appointed by the congregation to endeavor to procure preach- 
ing for the society. They shortly after their appointment wrote to 
the Rev. Samuel D. Hoge of Hillsborough, Ohio, desiring him to 
visit them, but the letter found him at Athens, having lately ac- 
cepted a professorship in the college at that place. Having learned 
that he could not be obtained, the Rev. William Martin was re- 
quested by letter to visit us, which letter by some miscarriage did 
not reach him until the April following, and not having heard 
from him, Rev. Mr. Bush was written to in March, 1824, and ar- 
rived July 7, having to favor his settlement here been appointed a 
missionary to this place by the Board of Missions of the General 
Assembly, and having ministered to the society until the 6th 
of September following, the congregation, agreeable to public 
notice, assembled and having taken the subject into consideration, 
determined unanimously by ballot that they were desirous of call- 


*(Sketch of Rev. George Bush, page 288.) 


PASTORS AND SUPPLIES OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH 
































REV. GEORGE BUSH REV. WILLIAM A. REV. JOHN A. McCLUNG, 
May 5, 1825-June 22,- 1828 HOULIDAY DArbD: 
Two Years from Feb. 1833 Dec. 31, 1851-Sept, 29,' 1855 














REV. THOMAS M. CUN- FEV ROB BR lab: REV. JOHN W. PARKER 
NINGHAM, D. D. IBV NIRA as. IDE IDE 
May 7, 1857-May, 1860 Oct V9; A s69e Mepis ye LS TL Feb. 27, 1902-Aug. 23, 1902 











REV. LOUIS W. SHER- 
WIN, D. D. 


June 238, 1912-June 27, 1915 


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First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 309 


ing Mr. Bush as their pastor, and appointed Daniel Yandes, Obed 
Foote and Isaac Coe a committee to circulate a subscription for his 
support. A meeting was appointed to be held at the Presbyterian 
meeting house on the 18th inst. to prepare a call for him to settle as 
their pastor, which meeting was accordingly held, of the proceed- 
ings of which the following is a copy, viz: ‘‘At a meeting of the 
Presbyterian congregation of Indianapolis, at the schoolroom on 
Saturday evening, three o’clock P. M., September 18, 1824, pursu- 
ant to published notices therefor : 

‘“The Rev. Isaac Reed was called to the chair and James M. Ray 
appointed secretary. On motion of Dr. Isaac Coe, they proceeded 
to take a vote whether they would give a call to the Rev. George 
Bush as pastor of this congregation. On motion the said vote was 
taken by ballot, which being done, on canvassing the same, it ap- 
pears that the Rev. George Bush was unanimously invited and 
ealled to the pastoral charge of this congregation. 

‘‘On motion, Isaac Coe, Caleb Scudder, James Blake, Alex 
Frazer, William W. Wick and James M. Ray were appointed a 
committee to sign on behalf of the congregation a call pursuant to 
the above vote. | 

‘*On motion, the said call was entrusted to Mr. Reed’s care, and 
the meeting was adjourned without day. 

Attest. Isaac Reed, Moderator of the Meeting 
J. M. Ray, Secretary.’’ 


The call drawn in the usual form, with an engagement to pay 
Mr. Bush for his support for the first year commencing with the 
first of October, 1824, three hundred dollars, and as much more as 
can be collected for that purpose, was handed by Mr. Reed, the 
moderator of the meeting, to the Salem Presbytery, and Mr. Bush 
having obtained his dismissal from the New York Presbytery and 
put himself under their care, the call was put into his hands and 
he signifying his acceptance thereof during vacation, the Presby- 
tery was called together by the last moderator, the Rev. Mr. Reed, 
at Indianapolis the 5th of March, 1825, for his ordination, which 
accordingly took place at that time in the Court House, the Rev. 
Mr. Crowe preaching the sermon, Mr. Dickey giving the charge to 


310 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the pastor-elect, and Mr. Reed to the people, Mr. Johnston and Mr. 
Young licentiates being also present. 

On the 9th of March, Mr. Bush started on a journey to New. 
Jersey and to attend the General Assembly in Philadelphia, and 
was absent until the 27th of July, following, when he returned 
with Mrs. Bush whom in his absence he had married, and entered 
upon the pastoral duties of his station. 


The weekly meeting for examination in the scriptures and cate- 
chism was discontinued after the 9th of July, 1824, until sometime 
in the fall, when a regular Bible class was commenced by Mr. Bush 
and continued until sometime in February, when for the present 
it was discontinued, and a prayer meeting of the church was com- 
menced, to meet every two weeks, which, as well as the. Sabbath 
meeting for public worship, was continued, during Mr. Bush’s 
absence, by the elders. 


There were admitted to membership by the church session, the 
Rev. Isaac Reed, presiding, on the 9th of January, 1825, Nancy 
McGeorge, on the 5th of March, Elizabeth Morris and Nancy Les- 
ter, and by letter on the 5th of March, James Smock and Charity, 
his wife, and on the 6th, Mrs. Martha Park on examination, and 
Alice, wife of Hiram Bacon, by letter. The session, which ad- 
mitted them, was opened and closed by prayer. 


Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 5, 1825. 


The session met: Present, George Bush, pastor, Caleb Scudder 
and Isaac Coe, elders. Constituted with prayer. John Smock, 
formerly a member of the Methodist Church applied to be admitted 
as a member of this church, but presented no letter of dismission. 
The session took the application into consideration and postponed 
the decision thereon for further consideration and inquiry on cir- 
cumstances of common fame. Session closed with prayer. 


George Bush, Moderator of Session. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 311 


Sabbath Morning, 
September 25, 1825. 


The session met at half-past nine o’clock. Present, George 
Bush pastor, Caleb Scudder and Isaac Coe, elders. Session opened 
with prayer. Adam Pence appled to unite with this church on 
examination, and, after some time spent in examination on practi- 
eal religion, the case was postponed for further examination. 


Jane McClung, formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church 
and afterwards of the New Light, applied to be admitted on ex- 
amination. The session proceeded to examine her on practical 
piety and doctrinal knowledge and, being satisfied on the former 
head, admitted her to occasional communion, but her sentiments 
not appearing fully to agree with the standard of our Church on 
the doctrines of election and infant baptism, the decision as to 
admission to membership was postponed for further consideration 
on her part, and examination on ours. Mrs. Anna B. Bush,* hav- 
ing presented a regular letter of dismissal from the Presbyterian 
Church of Morristown, New Jersey, to our church, was received by 
the session as a member in full communion. Session closed with 
prayer. ' 
Isaac Coe, Clerk George Bush, Moderator of Session. 


Sabbath morning, September 25, the sacrament of the Lord’s 
Supper was administered by the Rev. George Bush, assisted by 
the Rev. Baynard R. Hall—preparatory lecture and action; ser- 
mon by Rev. Mr. Hall. 


Isaac Coe, Clerk. 
Examined and approved thus far. 
Wm. W. Martin, M. S. P. 


December 31, 1825. 


The session met but no application for admission. James 
Smock, Charity Smock, Isaac Smock and Rachel Smock dismissed 
to the church at Greenfield. 


*Wife of Rev. George Bush. 


Be CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Sabbath, January 1, 1826, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper 
administered by the Rev. Mr. Bush, our pastor, without assistance. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


April 1, 1826. 

_ Preparatory lecture by Mr. Bush at 12 M., after which the 
session met, constituted by prayer. Marquis and his wife 
applied for admission to membership in this church, but on exam- 
ination, there not being as great evidence of experimental religion 
as the session could desire, and being previously unacquainted 
with the exercises of their minds or their Christian walk and con- 
versation, the decision of the session was postponed to give time 
for further acquaintance. Session closed with prayer. 

Isaae Coe, Clerk. George Bush, Moderator. 





Sabbath, April 1. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper admin- 
istered by the Rev. Mr. Bush without assistance. 


July 1, 1826. 
After a lecture preparatory to the administration of the Lord’s 
Supper, the session met, all the members being present, and was 
constituted by prayer when Jane McClung, James Duncan and 
Nancy Leaverton, after examination, were duly admitted mem- 
bers of this church and session was closed by prayer. 
: George Bush, Moderator. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 
July 2, 1826. 
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered by our pas- 
tor Rev. Mr. Bush without assistance. 


July 21, 1826. 

The moderator of the session having learned that various re- 
ports charging , one of the members of this church, with 
unchristian conduct, are in circulation in this place, convened the 
session of the church to take the same into serious consideration, 
and all the members being present, the session was constituted by 
prayer, after which it was ascertained that it is reported that 








First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 313 


—_—-—— 





has been guilty of intemperance, the use of profane 
language, falsehood, and slander; whereupon it was resolved that 
the moderator and clerk be a committee to wait upon her and 
learn whether she admits or denies the truth of said charges and 
report thereon to the session. Meeting closed with prayer. 

George Bush, Moderator. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


July 27, 1826. 

The session met on call of the moderator, and all the members 
being present, was opened with prayer. The committee appointed 
to wait on Mrs. , reports that she admits having used the 
name of the Supreme Being occasionally in a manner which your 
committee thinks irreverent, for which she expresses sorrow and 
pleads early habits, and denies the truth of the other charges, par- 
ticularly intemperance, stating that she very rarely uses any kind 
of spirituous liquors and only as a medicine. Whereupon, the 
session appointed the moderator and Mr. Scudder a committee to 
inquire whether the public reports charging her with the offenses 
referred to were supported by evidence or were without foundation. 
Session closed with prayer and adjourned. 

Isaac Coe, Clerk. 








August , 1826. 
Session met on call of moderator, and was opened with prayer, 
when Lowry Crothers and Mary, his wife, presented a certificate 
of dismissal in good standing from the Associate Reformed Church 
at Clear Creek, Warren County, Ohio, dated November 29, 1825 
and asked for admission to the privilege of membership in this 
church, which, on their assenting to the covenant of this church, 
was granted, and they were received under the watch and care of 
the fellowship of this church. Session closed with prayer and 
adjourned. | 
George Bush, Moderator 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


August 19, 1826. 
Session met on call of the moderator and opened by prayer, all 
the members being present, after which the committee appointed in 


314 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the case of Mrs. reported that on the day of their appoint- 
ment Mrs. handed to the moderator of the session a note 
which read as follows: ‘‘To the elders of the Presbyterian Church, 
—You may consider me as having withdrawn myself from your 
church. I shall seek for justice elsewhere against those that perse- 
cute me there as soon as I shall find them out.’’ Signed 

That in consequence of this communication they have made 
less inquiries on the subject of their appointment than they would 
otherwise have done; that from the inquiries already made they 
have not found sufficient evidence to establish the charge of in- 
temperance, and would hope the reports thereon have arisen from 
mistake. 

In support of the charges of falsehood and slander, there is 
the decided evidence of a member of this church to a case of very 
aggravated nature, but which is denied by Mrs. ; and as by 
the rules of the Presbyterian Church the evidence of one witness 
is not considered sufficient to establish any charge, the committee 
would report that evidence sufficient to substantiate the charges 
made against by common report has not come to the 
knowledge of your committee, except so far as relates to the use of 
irreverent language. But, inasmuch as the impression that some 
of the charges are true, is believed generally to prevail, and which 
is strengthened by her refusal to submit to the investigation, and 
as she on her part has renounced all connection with this church 
in a temper which seems little disposed to submit to Christian dis- 
cipline, your committee believes that the unity and peace of the 
church would be promoted by her dismissal. 

Whereupon, resolved that be at her own request dis- 
missed from the watch and care of this church under charges 
which have not yet been tried; that she be excluded from church 
fellowship with its members and participation in its ordinances, 
with the prayer of the session that if she truly belongs to the Lord’s 
people she may by the influence of His Spirit be reclaimed and 
brought to repentance for any sins she may have committed, and 
if she be one who has unworthily assumed the Christian name that 
she may be brought to see her aggravated and awful state of con- 
demnation and be converted to God and that at her request a copy 





























First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 315 


of the minutes of the proceedings of the session relative to her 
ease be furnished her, attested by the moderator and clerk. 
Meeting closed with prayer. 
George Bush, Moderator. 
Examined and approved thus far. 
Samuel F. Scott, Mod. 


Presbytery, by which this examination was made, held at Vin- 
cennes, October 16, 1826. Moderator, Samuel T. Scott. Tempo- 
rary Clerk, B. R. Hall. 


SESSIONAL REPORT FOR 1826 


Communicants | 
Granule COMMU ON DEr 1aStsIveDOLls emits alae aiglete 27 
Members since added on Examination ................ 3 
Members since added on Certificate ................... ii 
LODE) ONE D s 4O UN Ts NPI aera Le er RE Meee lel ca. 0 
AOESTVICSOCL Seeman ete Mu eaN (ies Lh) hata dr st tee RATT Udee Wie RM SRA ay sf 4 
BO ELS OELCLECL aise nari mere Ste tice hts 2) SK LPL CaM Wiel ily 2k aed ae Ne a 0 
bi lab Wasim OTTINUITIION «areas eee att vent ah at ah ore ein eh ay gre 33 

Baptisms 
Sea BURLESON, aca et or lO IE eR Ma ae PL IR, aa RR 0 
PLEATS were ha ce salah eee aca de etc ope GE ut ap SRK ie Sh OU a cl We 

ARR EER Wet ACG tn hea er EL PORE Ce) hn IL Gani He ea 11 

Collections 
POPC OMNNSSLONETS a HUN AS ce ie eee aan ine ate Pe hes 5.00 
POTATO VLOMY yin sis cd acess Se Uetae tebete ouster an Mea cera tial we Aig su dA 3.00 


Indianapolis, Oct. 6, 1826 
George Bush, Mod. Session. 


November 5, 1826. 
Session met and was constituted with prayer, when Mrs. Mar- 
garet Gray and Mrs. Nancy Hayes were examined and admitted 
as members of this church. Mrs. Gray had been formerly a 
member of the Presbyterian Church in Cynthiana, Kentucky, but 


316 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


having left there without a letter, and being moreover far advanced 
in life, and not well able to write on for a regular certificate, and 
that church, moreover being at this time nearly extinct, it was 
thought best that she be received by examination. Also received 
by letter Ebenezer Sharpe and Eliza his wife, from the Presby- 
terian Church in Paris, Kentucky, where Mr. Sharpe recently held 
the office of elder. Adjourned. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


November 6, 1826. 

Sacrament was administered this day. Sermon by the pastor 
who was assisted in the other parts of the service by Rev. James 
Dunean. 

November 22, 1826. 

Pursuant to a previous notice, the members of the church con- 
vened this evening at the house of Dr. Coe for the purpose of 
electing an elder, and if deemed expedient, one or more deacons. 
After some conversation, it was unanimously resolved that the 
present number of the session should be increased. The only can- 
didate proposed was Mr. Ebenezer Sharpe, who was nominated 
and duly elected to that office by the consent of the church. Upon 
being informed of his election, and requested to accept the office, 
seeing he was dismissed to us as an actual elder of the Presbyterian 
Church, Mr. Sharpe chose to defer complying with the invitation 
of the church, for the present—until further space should be al- 
lowed for more intimate acquaintance, and until the election 
should be publicly announced. Thereupon, it was resolved to de- 
fer any further progress in the business for the present. 

After meeting, session met and was constituted with prayer, 
all the members present, together with Mr. Sharpe, when they pro- 
ceeded to consider the case of Mrs. Reddick, a member of the 
church, who had withdrawn from our connection and joined the 
Methodists without acquainting us with her intentions, or obtain- 
ing a letter of dismission. Whereupon resolved that as her conduct 
had probably proceeded in great measure from ignorance of the 
rule and order of our church, the member of the session who may 
first have the opportunity to see her be required to converse with 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 317 


her on the rash step she has taken and by counsel and admonition 
endeavor to reclaim her to a sense of the impropriety of her con- 
duct, and of her present duty. Session then proceeded to con- 
sider the expediency of adopting some plan in order to render our 
monthly concerts more interesting, more profitable and more nu- 
merously attended. A method thought likely to insure the object 
was proposed and adopted. Also it was resolved to have a collec- 
tion taken up on that evening and to devote it to the cause of 


Foreign Missions. Adjourned. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


January 3, 1827. 

Session met this evening and constituted with prayer. All the 
members present. Mr. Alexander Wilson and wife applied for 
admission and were examined. Whereupon, session being satis- 
fied with the examination of Mr. Wilson, decided to admit him to 
the privilege of membership. Mrs. W. not having given all that 
evidence that could be wished, though in many respects highly 
gratifying, of thorough acquaintance with her own heart and with 
the system of Scripture doctrine, it was thought best to postpone 
her admission at the present time but to recommend her to embrace 
another opportunity to come before the session for further con- 


versation. Adjourned with prayer. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


January 26, 1827. 

Session met on call of moderator. All the members present, 
together with Mr. Sharpe. Opened with prayer. A letter was 
presented by Mr. , certifying his membership and stand- 
ing in the Presbyterian Church at Dunlapsville in this state. As 
the letter, however, did not on the face of it purport to have been 
given in the name of the session, and so appeared informal, and as 
from our own knowledge his conduct recently had not been alto- 
gether regular, it was adjudged proper, if he were recived at all, 
that it should be by personal examination; and a time was fixed 
for that purpose. 

It having been ascertained that the children of one of the mem- 








318 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


bers of this church have in two cases recently attended a dancing 
party in this place, resolved thereupon that Mr. Bush be re- 
quested to visit and converse with, and if necessary, admonish that 
member in the name of the session on the impropriety of her con- 
duct. Application was made by Miss Alma Coe for admission and 
upon examination she was received as a member of the church. 
After some discussion on the subject of the church’s duty in regard 
to the baptized children, it was resolved in a special manner to 
implore Divine direction on our next day of fasting and prayer. 
Adjourned with prayer. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


February 3, 1827. 
Session met and was opened with prayer. All the members 
present. Examined and admitted Mrs. Negley, daughter of Mr. 
Johnson, a member. Adjourned. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


February 8, 1827. 

The church according to previous notice, met this evening and 
proceeded to consider the expediency of enlarging the present 
number of our session. Whereupon, it was resolved to elect two 
new members. The church then proceeded to the election when 
Mr. John G. Brown and Mr. John Johnson were chosen. It was 
then resolved that public notice of the election should be given next 
Lord’s Day and that Saturday, the 24th inst. should be fixed upon 
as the time for their being solemnly set apart to that office, to- 
gether with Mr. Sharpe, who had been previously elected. This 
time was afterwards altered to the third Sabbath of this month. 


February 10, 1827. 
Session met pursuant to appointment and was constituted with 
prayer. All the members present, together with Rev. Mr. John- 
ston of Madison. The following persons presented themselves and 
were severally examined, viz: Robert Goudy and Jane, his wife, 
John EK. Baker, Noah Leaverton, Margaret Bull and Cheney Live- 
ly, a colored woman; of these all were admitted excepting Mr. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 319 





and Mr. whose conduct having recently been such 
as would be highly discreditable to the cause of religion if wit- 
nessed in a professor, it was deemed expedient to defer any fur- 
ther consideration of their cases until a longer time is allowed to 
the session to judge of the sincerity of their repentance and of 
their perseverance in new obedience. Adjourned with prayer. 

Geo. Bush, Mod. 





February 11, 1827. 
The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered this 
day. The pastor assisted by the Rev. Mr. Johnston of Madison. 
Two of the recent members, Margaret Bull and Cheney Lively, 
baptized. Thursday, the Ist inst., was observed as a day of humil- 
iation, fasting and prayer, we hope with some benefits. 


February 18, 1827. 
Sabbath, according to previous notice given, the following per- 
sons, elders-elect, were this day solemnly set apart to their office 
in the presence of the congregation, after a sermon suited to the 
occasion, viz., Ebenezer Sharpe, John G. Brown and John John- 
son. 
March 4, 1827. 
Sabbath, the ordinance of baptism was this day administered to 
Henry Isaae Coe, Louisa Hayes, Lucinda Hayes, Aletta Hayes, and 
William Goudy. A sermon was preached suitable to the occasion. 


March 8, 1827. 
The session met this evening after church meeting. Members 
present, Mr. Bush, Dr. Coe, Mr. Scudder and Mr. Brown. A let- 
ter was presented from the session of the church in Hillsboro, 
Ohio by Mr. Nathan Pike, certifying his membership and his 
wife’s in that church, together with their standing. They were 
received into connection with this church. After some conversa- 
tion held on the subject of instituting a course of catechetical in- 
struction for the baptized children of the church, agreed to defer 
the subject till another occasion. Adjourned with prayer. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


320 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


April 7, 1827. 
Session met this day after preparatory lecture and was opened 
by prayer. Present: Mr. Bush, Dr. Coe, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Brown 
and Mr. Johnson. Mr. Robert Goudy, upon examination, having 
given satisfaction to the session as to his past conduct, was ad- 
mitted a member of the church. On examination also Eveline 
Baker was:admitted. Closed with prayer. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


| April 8, 1827. 
The session met this morning, being communion Sabbath and 
being opened in the usual way, admitted on examination Mrs. 
Pierce to membership in this church,—the assistance of Rev. David 
Merrill enjoyed in the sacramental services. Adjourned. 


Geo. Bush, Mod. 





(Minute Misplaced) 


June 9, 1827. 

Session met at the school room. Present: Rev. John McFar- 
land, of Paris, Kentucky, now supplying this church in the absence 
of the pastor, E. Sharpe, C. Seudder, J. G. Brown and I. Coe, 
elders. Meeting opened with prayer, when session proceeded to 
take into consideration a charge founded on common fame that 
, a member of this church, has been seen intoxicated 
with spirituous liquor, and that he has continued in that state for 
one or more days, and he having been notified of said report and 
of the meeting of the session to take the same into consideration, 
attended and having been questioned thereon confessed that he had 
lately become somewhat intoxicated at one time, but stated that it 
is the only time of his having been so since being a member of this 
church; that he repents of the sin he has committed, has since that 
time entirely abstained from the use of spirituous liquors, 
and that it is his intention by the Grace of God to continue so to do. 
Whereupon, resolved that the further consideration of this sub- 
ject be postponed for further inquiry. Meeting closed with 
prayer. : 








Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 321 


June 21, 1827. 

Session met at the house of J. G. Brown. Present: Rev. J. 
McFarland, moderator, E. Sharpe, J. G. Brown and Isaac Coe, 
elders. Session opened with prayer, when the deferred case of 
— —was taken up and no evidence having been adduced to 
prove more than one case of intoxication, the one which he had 
confessed, the session resolved that, inasmuch as he while a pro- 
fessing Christian, a member of a sister church, had frequently 
fallen into the same sin, for which he had on his admission into 
this church expressed his deep repentance and resolution, with 
Divine aid, to avoid the like offense in future, that therefore he 
be suspended from partaking of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Sup- 
per in this church until the sincerity of his repentance be mani- 
fested; and, inasmuch as his sin was publicly committed, that the 
notice of his suspension be publicly given from the pulpit on the 
next Lord’s Day. Adjourned. 





Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


June 23, 1827. 

The session met at the meeting-house after a lecture prepara- 
tory to communion. Present: Rev. John MeFarland, Mod., E. 
Sharpe, J. G. Brown and I. Coe, elders. Meeting opened with 
prayer, when on examination Mr. Jesse Blake and Mrs. Sidney 
Bates were admitted as members of this church; but, inasmuch as 
Mrs. Bates had formerly been a member of the Methodist Church, 
it was recommended that she bring a letter if they are willing to 
grant the same, of her having been in good standing when she left 
their communion, and of her regular dismission therefrom. Closed 
with prayer. 

Isaae Coe, Clerk. 


October 31, 1827. 
The session of the church met on call of the moderator. Pres- 
ent: Rev. Geo. Bush, E. Sharpe, J. G. Brown, C. Scudder and I. 
Coe. Session constituted with prayer, when whe 
was suspended for intemperance appeared before the session and 
still expressing his repentance for the sin he had committed and 








822 ; CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


stating that since his suspension he had entirely abstained from 
the use of spirituous liquors, the session deferred the consideration 
of the subject for further inquiry and deliberation until the next 
meeting. Closed with prayer. 

Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


December 1, 1827. 
Session met—all the members present; opened with prayer, 
when the case of being again brought before them and 
satisfactory evidence having been afforded of his repentance and 
of his resolution with the help of God to abstain from similar con- 
duct ever after, the session proceeded to restore him to the priv- 
ilege of regular standing and full communion in the church. Or- 
dered, moreover, that public notice be given from the pulpit next 
Sabbath of the removal of this suspension. Closed with prayer. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


February 2, 1828. 
Session met and was opened with prayer. Members all pres- 
ent. The following persons then proposed themselves as candi- 
dates for admission to this church, and after due examination were 
admitted as members—Mrs. Georgiana Dunlap, Mrs. Nancy Blair, 
Mr. John Negley and Master Ensley Goudy. Closed with prayer. 
Geo. Bush, Mod. 


February 3, 1828. 
Sacrament Hdnnihareerd this day by the pastor without assis- 
tance. 








February 25, 1828. 

A Reinicratiants was received by the lay elders from their pas- 
tor the Rev. George Bush, in consequence of which the following 
proceedings were had, viz: : 

| February 25, 1828. 

The session met at the school room in the Presbyterian Meet- 
ing-house. Present: Ebenezer Sharpe, Caleb Scudder, John G. 
Brown, Isaac Coe. John G. Brown was chosen chairman, and 
Isaac Coe, secretary, and the meeting was opened with prayer, 
after which a communication from their pastor, marked No. 1, was 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH B20 


read which contained the three following propositions as the 
terms on which he is willing to continue to labor with us, viz., Ist: 
That the male members of the church have the privilege (as they 
have he conceives no doubt the right) to be present at all meetings 
of the session to transact business concerning the spiritual inter- 
ests of the church, such as the admission and discipline of mem- 
bers and choice of officers, but not to have the right to vote, or 
without permission to speak. 2nd: That the session give their full 
consent and hearty concurrence in what he conceives his permis- 
sion from a higher source to talk, write, publish and preach rela- 
tive to the constitution, laws and order of church, whatever, when- 
ever, wheresoever and in what way so ever he might deem proper. 
3rd: That the session should guarantee him $300 for three-fourths 
of his time for one year. 

Whereupon resolved that in order to obtain more full informa- 
tion on these as well as other points which have been a subject of 
discussion, the following note, signed by the members of session 
present, be presented to our pastor and his answer requested, 
which note is as follows, viz: 

Indianapolis, Feb’y 25, 1828. 
Rey. and Dear Brother,— | 

The session having met and read the propositions by you sub- 
mitted to them this day and desirous before considering the same 
that a full and fair understanding should be had on all those points 
which have formerly been subjects of discussion between us, would 
respectfully enquire: 


1. Whether that form which you have submitted for the in- 
ternal government of this church is perfectly satisfactory to your- 
self so that no further alterations will be attempted. 

2nd. Whether you are satisfied that yourself and the church 
under your charge should continue to preserve that relation with 
respect to Presbytery, Synod and the General Assembly, prescribed 
by the constitution of the Presbyterian Church. 

3rd. Whether the approbation you request in the 2nd propo- 
sition to your talking, writing, publishing and preaching on the 
subject of church government intends our consent that you may 


324 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


advance any sentiments calculated to weaken the confidence of the 
church in the belief that the Presbyterian form of church govern- 
ment is consistent with Seripture, any further than as contained in 
your first proposition. 
4th: Whether our agreement to the proposition to become 
bound for $300 a year for three-fourths of your time is indispens- 
able to your continuance and whether, if agreed to, you would de- 
vote the whole of that portion of your time to the duties of the pas- 
toral office in this congregation. 
We are, dear Sir 
Your brethren, etc. 
EK. Sharpe 
John G. Brown 
Isaae Coe 
Caleb Scudder 
When after closing with prayer the meeting was adjourned, 
sine die, John G. Brown, Chairman 
Isaac Coe, Secretary 


February 28, 1828. 

The session met, present: E. Sharpe, J. G. Brown, I. Coe and 
C. Seudder, when John G. Brown was chosen chairman and Isaac 
Coe, secretary and the meeting opened with prayer. 

A communication from the Rev. George Bush in answer to the 
inquiries of the session at their last meeting was read and is 
marked No. 2. 

The substance of which is: 


First, that he does not at present contemplate any other alter- 
ations in the internal government of this church than those pro- 
posed, except such as we would agree to if we cordially and from 
conviction acceded to those he had proposed. 

Second, that he was not satisfied that he or the church under 
his charge should preserve any relation to Presbytery ete., but that 
warranted by the Word of God; but what that relation is, he had 
as yet had no opportunity of explaining as he wished. 

Third, that the ultimate consequences of his views when ecar- 
ried into practice would go to modify at least our relation to the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 325 


general body but that he had forborne to mention this in his first 
communication, intending to bear with the present state of things 
until by preaching, writing, etc., he might be able to satisfy us of 
the soundness of his views; and then it would be time to advance 
further in the way of reform. 

Fourth, that the guaranteeing of his salary by the session he 
considered as indispensable, a sine qua non; that until he knew 
more definitely what was intended by devoting the whole of his 
time to pastoral labors, he could say no more than that he should 
endeavor to do his duty in which he thought he had not been 
grossly deficient and that if we would do our duty, he would af- 
firm that depending on divine aid he would do his. Whereupon, 
resolved that before taking the propositions of our pastor into 
consideration it is important to know what alteration in the gov- 
ernment of our church and its relation to others they are intended 
eventually to introduce, and that the following note be sent him: 


Indianapolis, February 28, 1828. 
Rev. and dear Brother,— 

Before deciding on the propositions submitted to our considera- 
tion, we are still desirous that you should explain more defin- 
itely your views of ‘‘what relation according to the word of God, 
yourself and the church under your care ought to sustain to Pres- 
bytery, Synod, and General Assembly’’ and what modifications of 
our existing relations the ultimate consequences of your views 
when carried into practice would lead you to propose, after you 
should have been able by preaching, writing, etc., to make out to 
our satisfaction the truth and soundness of your views. We are, 
dear brother, 

Affectionately yours, 

E. Sharpe 

Isaac Coe 

John G. Brown 

C. Seudder. 

When the meeting was adjourned and closed with prayer. 

John G. Brown, Chairman 
Isaac Coe, Secretary 


326 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


March 4, 1828. 

The members of the session met in the school room in the Pres- 
byterian Church. Present, E. Sharpe, John G. Brown, and Isaac 
Coe, when J. G. Brown, being chosen chairman, Isaac Coe, secre- 
tary, the meeting opened with prayer. The session took into 
consideration a communication from their pastor of March 3rd, 
marked No. 3. being an answer to their inquiries at the last meet- 
ing and which is in substance: 


First, that he believes there is but one Catholic Church and 
that all distinct organizations as Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian, 
ete., are a sinful rending of Christ’s one body. 

Second, that Christ Jesus is not only spiritually, but also 
ecclesiastically the only head of His Church to the exclusion of any 
visible head in any shape whatever, and that all appeals from the 
Presbytery of a single church requiring an authoritative decision 
are to be made directly and immediately to Him. 

Third, that every individual church, properly constituted, is 
entirely competent to the final decision of whatever cases of dis- 
cipline may occur among them. | 

Fourth, that the Word. of God is a full, sure and all sufficient 
guide as to every matter of duty or doctrine that may ever come 
to be considered by such a society and that they are so bound to 
regard it, but that special aid may be received from the systems of 
discipline founded on experience. 

Fifth, that it is proper that individual churches hold such 
communion and correspondence with each other for promoting the 
interests of truth and godliness, fostering congregations, calling, 
ordaining and removing ministers and judging of matters of doc-: 
trine and discipline as may be consistent with the inherent essen- 
tial and inalienable right of every properly organized church of 
Christ, to manage and determine its own affairs. 

Sixth, the specific changes he would propose in our present rela- 
tions would be such as would flow from these principles of which 
we were as competent to judge as himself. That he had formed 
no scheme, because our future conduct in relation to Presbytery, 
Synod, ete., would depend on the manner in which they should 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ae | 


regard us; that he would be desirous of remaining connected with 
these bodies, but could not unite in any act which should recog- 
nize their rights to control the doings of our society; and that if 
we could not remain in their connection on these terms, the sin of 
separation would le on those who by their human impositions 
forced us to it. 


The session also proceeded to take into consideration the pre- 

ceding communications, marked No. 1 and 2 and also one fur- 

nished by him to the session something more va a year since, 
marked No. 4, which is as follows, viz: 


Church Government 


1. I coneeive there is one Catholic Church made up of all those 
in heaven and on the earth who are born of the Spirit, and this 
church may be considered as invisible as it is not to be seen till 
Christ appears; yet everyone that is a proper object of Christian 
brotherly love is a visible member of this church and is to us in 
that church by the law of Christ and as such has a right to 
baptism, wherein we are all baptized into that one body, but 
many such prove in the end to have been no real members ot 
that body though they were visible members of it. 

There is also a church consisting of the visible members of 
the above mentioned heavenly church, visibly joined together in 
the profession of the Christian faith, hope and charity, and as- 
sembling together in one place to eat of the Lord’s supper and 
to observe all Christ’s institutions; and in every such visible 
church, the aforesaid mystical church is shown forth and repre- 
sented to us. It is not clear that there is any other visible church 
besides this on the earth. I cannot, therefore, at the present time 
agree to the definition of the church given in the Confession, as 
it would seem to exclude all who have not made a profession, 
though they may still belong to the spiritual body of Christ. 

2. The great objection I have to the Presbyterian scheme 
lies in this, that it holds forth a vast visible body which is said 
to be in the order of nature prior to the single or particular 


328 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


churches and is endowed in its collective capacity with jurisdic- 
tion over the component parts. I object to it because I do not 
find Seripture warrant for such a body and because moreover I 
perceive it is precisely on this foundation that the kingdom of 
antichrist was erected, for if the united body of Christ be con- 
sidered as visible, it will naturally lead to a visible head, the 
fountain of church power; and whether this be in the shape of 
the Pope or the General Assembly, the principle is the same and 
for aught I can see the consequences will be likely to be the 
same. Both are opposed to the supreme headship of Christ. Not 
but that the Presbyterian system may be carried on for a length 
of time without any very great abuses, but I conceive the ten- 
dency is such as I have intimated. 

3. IL hold to associations of churches and pastors for purposes 
of mutual edification and co-operation in advancing the interests 
of truth and godliness. But I object to their being regarded as 
stated tribunals and would abolish such terms as courts, judica- 
tories, etc., as tending insensibly to beget wrong ideas of the 
true nature of Christ’s servants, neither would I have them or- 
ganized into several grades. 

4. JI object to that feature of the confession which insists so 
strenuously on complete uniformity in this respect, nor does it 
appear to be consistent with other parts of the scheme as may 
be shown. 

5. It appears to me that the Presbyterian view of the visible 
church leads to great laxness in the admission of members, this 
right of admission not being grounded upon the evidence of the 
reality of conversion, but upon a profession of it. 

6. As to a single church, I hold that the government is vested 
in the proper officers of the church which are elders and dea- 
eons, although I consider it the duty of the whole church to 
judge of every important business in the church, and that every 
affair of moment should be done with their knowledge and con- 
currence and generally in their presence. 

7. I hold that in every rightly organized church there should 
be a plurality of elders; that these constitute what is properly 
called the eldership or presbytery of a church, which I consider 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 329 


is all the presbytery spoken of in the Scriptures; these elders I 
regard as all pastors, whose duty it is to feed the flock of Christ 
and rule in it by His word, not lording it over God’s heritage but 
being ensamples that they are all of equal authority—that they 
are all equally the clergy, that the title ‘‘lay elder’’ is improper 
—that although the office is essentially the same, yet there are 
different departments, among which laboring in the word and 
doctrine is the principal and entitles the incumbent to pecuniary 
support, though cases might occur in which even all the elders in 
a church might properly receive maintenance from the church. 
All that is here asserted, I conceive, may be fairly proved from 
the Word of God and also that the practices and notions now 
prevalent respecting the elder’s office may be traced to the am- 
bition of the clergy. 

8. I hold that ordination confers no office power whatever, 
but merely recognizes such power or character already conferred 
by the Holy Ghost. Hence the presbytery of a single church 
might lawfully ordain an elder without the concurrence of any 
other person, although I would esteem it most prudent and be- 
coming whenever it was practicable to obtain such concurrence. 

Whereupon Resolved: 1. That so far as we understand the 
views of our pastor, the Rev. George Bush, relative to church 
government, we cannot approve them as a whole as being either 
scriptural or expedient. 

2. That believing the Presbyterian form of church govern- 
ment to be most conformable in its institutions, to the word of 
God of any in existence and best calculated in its effects to pro- 
mote the peace, purity and edification of the Church of Christ, 
we cannot consent to abandon it for any other, much less for one 
which we believe not warranted by Scripture and untried in 
practice. 

3. That however serious the consideration of dissolving the 
endearing connection between pastor and people, we feel it to be 
a solemn duty to God and His Church not to use our influence to 
continue the relation now subsisting between our pastor and this 
people if it can be done only on the terms he has proposed. 

4. That we will submit our views to the members of this 


330 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


church for their consideration and to the Presbytery under whose 
care we are, for their advice and direction. 

5. That the following note, signed by the members, be ad- 
dressed to our pastor in order to ascertain whether we fully 
understand his views on some of the principal points of his sys- 
tem, viz: 

March 4, 1828. 
Rev. and Dear Brother :— 

From the length of time your views have been a subject of 
discussion between yourself and the other members of the ses- 
sion, it would indeed seem that we ought to have been sufficiently 
acquainted therewith without the necessity of repeated applica- 
tions for further information. But you will recollect that al- 
though the general principles of your system have been often 
investigated and have been furnished us in writing more than a 
year since, still no definite system of church government founded 
thereon has been submitted to our consideration, and we con- 
ceived it to be our duty to endeavor to understand your system 
as it would appear when carried into practice and after your ob- 
servation that ‘‘you had as yet had no opportunity to explain it 
as you wished,’’ we felt the more desirous you should explain it 
in such a manner as to leave no doubt of its being clearly under- 
stood; this we hope will be considered a reasonable apology for 
our repeated application for further explanation. 

The more prominent parts of your system as gathered from 
your several communications appear to be if we understand them: 


1. That the whole and inalienable government of every in- 
dividual church is in the session, composed of its elders, from 
whose decision there is no appeal to any tribunal on earth. 

2. Appeals ‘‘requiring an authoritative decision are to be 
made from the decision of church sessions directly and immedi- 
ately to the Lord Jesus Christ, on the ground that He has prom- 
ised to be with them by His spirit.’’ But how such appeals are 
to be prosecuted by the aggrieved party so as to obtain the rever- 
sal of an improper decision in any particular case, we have not 
been informed. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Oo 


3. That the male members of the church have the right to 
be present but not to vote in all meetings of the session to trans- 
act the business of the church, such as the admission or discipline 
of members or the choice of officers. ) 

4. That in every church there ought to be a plurality of 
elders, who are all equal in authority, all pastors and all equally 
the clergy, yet that there are different departments among which 
laboring in word and doctrine is the principal and entitles the 
incumbent to support. 

5. That ordination confers no office or power whatever, but 
only recognizes such office or character already conferred by 
the Holy Ghost. But how without inspiration a session shall 
ascertain on whom such character or office has been conferred 
by the Holy Ghost, we are not informed. 

6. That the elder who labors in word and doctrine has leave 
and permission from a higher authority to talk, write, publish or 
preach in relation to the constitution, laws and order of the 
church, whatever, whenever, wheresoever and in what way so ever 
he may judge proper, notwithstanding the session may believe the 
doctrine he teaches to be unscriptural and destructive of the 
peace or even existence of the church; that the session are con- 
scientiously bound even while pursuing this course to guarantee 
to him an adequate support. 

If in any of these particulars we have misunderstood your 
system, we shall thankfully receive such explanations as will cor- 
rect that misunderstanding. 

But if we have not, we freely and candidly say that with the 
views we now have both of scriptural truth and expediency in 
practice, we cannot adopt them, but will submit them to the con- 
sideration of that church whose officers we are and that Presby- 
tery under whose care the Lord in His providence has placed us. 


K. Sharpe, I. Coe, 
John G. Brown, C. Seudder. 


After which the meeting adjourned and was closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Secretary. John G. Brown, Chairman. 


332 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


March 10, 1828. 


Session met in the school room of the Presbyterian meeting 
house; present, Caleb Scudder, John G. Brown, Ebenezer Sharpe 
and Isaac Coe, when John G. Brown was chosen chairman and 
Isaac Coe secretary, and the meeting having been opened with 
prayer, proceeded to read and consider a communication of this 
date from their pastor in answer to ours of the last meeting 
which is marked No. 5 and is in substance as follows, viz: 


1. That although he does not allow of appeals to an authori- 
tative tribunal, yet he approves of associations of churches to 
whom as arbitrators or referees, cases both of doctrine and dis- 
cipline may be submitted. 


2. That he will state the true procedure to obtain a reversal 
of an improper decision by church session in a direct appeal to 
Jesus Christ, whenever we will state how such an appeal is to be 
prosecuted from the decision of the General Assembly. 


3. That his belief is that the whole church, male and female, 
have the right to be present at all meetings of the session and 
that the concurrence of the majority of the church ought to be 
had in every determination of the session. 


4. That we have stated his views correctly respecting the 
plurality, equality, pastoral and clerical character of the elders. 


o. That the session can as easily in ordaining elders deter- 
mine whether they are called by the Holy Ghost, as a presbytery, 
but that it is not necessary to know infallibly, and that to a call 
from the Holy Ghost he would add a call or election by the people. 


6. That his proposition to us to guarantee his salary was not 
one of his general principles but a specific condition in the items 
of his agreement with this particular church. 


In answer to which the session addressed him the following 
note: 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 350 


Indianapolis, March 10, 1828. 
Rev. and Dear Brother :— 

You are aware that we have found no little difficulty in learn- 
ing your views of church government, and the object of the sum- 
mary submitted to your examination was to ascertain whether 
we really understood them or not, which we feel the more neces- 
sary when about to submit them to the consideration of the 
church and are sorry your last communication has not lessened 
our difficulties. 

That part of your first point which assumes as your view that 
the government of every church is in its elders you admit, and 
in your previous communication say that every appeal from the 
presbytery of a single church is to the Lord Jesus Christ, and in 
your first communication: ‘‘I desire no further deviation from 
the common Presbyterian practice than that all the brethren 
should have the privilege, as they no doubt have the right, to be 
present at all meetings of the session’’ etc. ‘‘My view is that 
they should not be allowed to vote, but that the male members 
upon leave granted by the elders be permitted to speak.’’ In 
your last you say, ‘‘I believe the whole church has the right 
(of being present), male and female, and although perfect unan- 
imity is not, perhaps, in ordinary cases to be expected, yet the 
concurrence of the majority ought always to be had in every 
determination of the session.’’ This last view, we conceive, gives 
no more authority in the government of the church to an elder 
than to any other member, and if it can be reconciled with the 
preceding ones, we confess ourselves unable to do it, or to devise 
any way by which the session can be certain of the concurrence 
of the majority of the church in any case, if they be not allowed 
to vote and only the male members to speak. 

And further, if it be the ‘‘inherent essential and inalienable 
right of every properly constituted church of Christ to manage 
and determine its own affairs’’ we cannot conceive how it can 
give that inalienable right to an association even by arbitration 
or reference. 

In saying that Christ Jesus is ecclesiastically the head of His 
Church and that all appeals from the presbytery of a single 


334 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


church are to be made directly and immediately to him on the 
ground that He has promised to be with them by His Spirit, we 
did suppose you meant something on the subject on which you 
were treating, the government of the Church on earth, and when 
we shall say the same of appeals from the decisions of the Gen- 
eral Assembly, you may consider them parallel cases, and not 
before. 

Nor in the ordination of elders is the case, we think, at all 
parallel between those who consider ordination as being the ap- 
pointed way of conferring office, and yourself who consider it 
as conferring none. . 7 

In the one case the church is bound to hear and obey those 
and those only who are ordained. In the other, as we conceive, 
not to regard ordination at all but each individual is for himself 
to judge whether the office has been conferred by the Holy 
Ghost. 

When in your first communication you observe, ‘‘In making 
this a condition (the guarantee of the salary) I am governed by 
the following firm conviction: that the constituted heads of this 
church do esteem it in the sight of God and in view of the spirit- 
ual wants of the people deeply important that the preaching of 
the gospel be maintained among them, it is equally important 
that a reasonable compensation be secured to the preacher and 
they need not fear to take the responsibility upon them, seeing 
the cause is the Lord’s.’’ This we consider to be equivalent to 
telling us it was our duty to do it, and we would be far from 
supposing you would say that would be our duty in this case, 
which would not be the duty of others in similar cases; hence, 
we inferred it was with you a general principle. 

But the main difficulty under this head you have left unex- 
plained, viz: on what ground the preaching elders should. con- 
trol all the rest (they being of equal authority) as to the doc- 
trine to be taught on church order. 

In concluding, we repeat that we have had no other object in 
our frequent inquiries than to obtain a plain, full and concise 
view of the changes which now or hereafter you would propose 
to introduce into our order of church government to induce you 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 335 


to remain and continue to labor with us and if these views can 
be laid before the church in such a plain manner that no mistake 
ean arise, it will give much pleasure to your brethren in the Lord; 

E. Sharpe 

I. Coe 

J. G. Brown 

C. Seudder 
after which the meeting was adjourned sine die and closed with 
prayer. 

J. G. Brown, Chairman, 

I. Coe, Secretary. 


CHURCH MEETING 


At a meeting of the members of the Presbyterian Church in 
Indianapolis, March 10, 1828, in the school room of the Presby- 
terian meeting house, pursuant to previous notice, to take into 
consideration the several communications which have been re- 
ceived by the session from their pastor, the Rev. George Bush, 
stating the terms which he will require as the condition of his 
continuing to be the pastor of the congregation : 

On motion, John G. Brown was chosen chairman and Caleb 
Scudder secretary, and the meeting was opened with prayer by 
the Rev. George Bush. 

The several communications which had been received from 
Mr. Bush by the session were laid before the meeting, and on 
motion were read by Isaac Coe, of which No. 1, 2, 3 and 5 had 
been received on or since the 25th ult, but No. 4 more than a year 
since, and Mr. Bush objected to its being read, on the ground 
that his views had been altered on some points since it had been 
written, but on its being handed him for inspection, he stated 
that it correctly gave his views on all the points therein named, 
except that in the last article he would, to the power or charac- 
ter conferred by the Holy Ghost, add a call or election by the 
people. Mr. Sharpe arose and stated to the church that for more 
than a year the views of Mr. Bush had been a subject of discus- 
sion between him and the session; that the session had carefully 


336 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


and prayerfully examined them and the arguments and Scriptures 
he had adduced in their support, and were more and more con- 
vineed that they were unscriptural, and that the form of govern- 
ment established in the Presbyterian Church was warranted by 
scriptural authority; that they could not, therefore, adopt his 
views but had been willing to bear with them so long as he made 
no attempt to influence the church and congregation thereby; 
that he had often entreated him to let the subject rest, and warned 
him that its agitation would be likely to divide and ruin the church. 


Dr. Coe, in explanation of the course pursued by the session, 
and the necessity of now bringing it before the church, stated 
that after the call from this congregation had been accepted by 
Mr. Bush, and before his ordination, he learned his objections to 
the Presbyterian form of church government, and had many dis- 
cussions with him thereon in which he found his opposition 
thereto so great that he frankly told him with such views he did 
not think he (Mr. Bush) ought to take ordination in the Pres- 
byterian Church; that he had, for more than three years been 
much tried with Mr. Bush’s hostility to our form of church gov- 
ernment, but had hoped that he would at length see what he (Coe) 
conceived to be the unscriptural character and impracticable na- 
ture of his views and was therefore willing to bear with them so 
long as he made no attempt to introduce them into practice. 
But, having heard him, in the early part of December, 1826, state 
on the Sabbath from the pulpit that there was not a shadow of 
authority in the Scriptures for any government beyond the 
bounds of a single church, from whose decisions there was no ap- 
peal but to the court of heaven; and, after conversing with Mr. 
Bush and receiving no assurance that a similar course would not 
be pursued in future, and believing it his intention gradually to 
alienate the church and society from the Presbyterian form of 
church government, he felt it his duty to bring the subject be- 
fore the session. After many meetings had with Mr. Bush for 
its discussion, in which he uniformly refused to pledge himself 
not to preach against Presbyterianism, or not to endeavor privately 
to influence the members of the church and congregation to 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ool 


adopt his views, but insisted that the subscription should be 
taken up for his support the ensuing year without any stipula- 
tion on the subject himself, finally, before taking up any 
subscription, the members of session addressed him a note in 
substance that in any future sums they might subscribe for his 
support they should consider themselves bound to pay only in 
ease he abstained from attempting either publicly or privately 
to withdraw this church from the Presbyterian form of church 
government. 

After leaving us last spring, Mr. Bush wrote from the Hast 
to a member of the session in substance that there were many 
things in Presbyterianism which he could not countenance by his 
example, and that unless we conformed to his views he would 
not probably return. To which he received for answer that we 
could not conform to his views. To which he replied that he 
would return and that so long as he said nothing and did noth- 
ing contrary to the true intent of the acknowledged standards of 
the Church, he ought not to be excluded from a post of usefulness. 

On these terms the session has still been willing to continue 
his labors and has done so, till he could let the subject rest no 
longer, but by his own propositions has forced us to abandon 
Presbyterianism, or part with him. 

As to Mr. Bush’s views, he (Dr. Coe) considered Mr. Bush’s 
idea of the independency of individual churches, their inherent 
essential and inalienable right to finally determine every case 
which might come before them without appeal to any other author- 
ity on earth, as the most prominent point. As its admission in 
practice would, he believed, open the door to a flood of evils, he 
would examine its pretentions to scriptural authority. 

First: As both civil and ecclestiastical governments are 
ordained of God, for there is no power but of God, see Rom. xiii, 
and as both are intended for men and to restrain in many re- 
spects the same propensities and in most cases to rule the same 
individuals, all may reasonably conclude there would be some 
analogy between them, and this reasoning is strengthened when 
we find in the government given by God Himself to the Israel- 
ites, the civil and ecclesiastical government is blended together. 


338 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


But in civil government we do not find every parish, village or 
town independent of all others; but, towns, cities, territories, 
provinces and states are usually in regular subordination united 
under one general head extending its government and its pro- 
tecting arm over immense territories and ruling millions of indi- 
viduals, and we can readily see that the ends of justice, peace, 


prosperity and happiness are promoted thereby. 

Second: In that form of government which God Himself 
gave to the posterity of Abraham, there was no trace of the inde- 
pendency, civil or ecclesiastical, of single churches or small com- 
munities. The several families, villages, towns and cities in 
each tribe were united under one head, while a superior head 
presided over the whole twelve tribes. There were rulers of 1,000, 
of 100, of 50, and of 10, who decided the small and easier cases 
end brought the greater and harder to a higher tribunal. There 
were the Levites, the Priests and the High Priests, rising in reg- 
ular gradation and there were appeals from inferior tribunals 
to higher. In Deut. xvii, 8 to 14 where cases were to be brought 
up for the decision of the Priest and the Judge in the place the 
Lord should choose, those who would not obey their judgment were 
to be put to death; and, as the Christian church is built both on 
the foundation of the apostles and prophets as the Gentile converts 
cut out of the wild olive tree (Rom. xi) are grafted into the Jewish 
church, the good olive, and as the office of elder is common to 
both dispensations, it may be proper more particularly to notice its 
identity ; that there were elders who ruled the small towns and vil- 
tages as well as the cities, appears from Deut. xix, 12; xxi, 4, 19, 
20, where, in case of wilful murder the elders of the city were to 
take the murderer from the city of refuge, where, in uncertain 
murder the elders of the nearest city were to protest their inno- 
cence, and where a rebellious son was to be brought before the 
elders of the city. 

Then the elders also formed a part of the chief council which 
governed the nation, as appears from Matt. xxvi, 3, 47, 59; xxvii 
20, and many other Scriptures where the assembly, which took 
counsel against Jesus, apprehended him, before whom he was 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 339 


brought, and who influenced Pilate to condemn Him, was com- 
posed of the High Priest, the Chief Priests, Elders and Scribes. 

Since Jesus came to His own Church whose laws and gov- 
ernment He had prescribed and whose institutions He obeyed, 
fulfilling all righteousness, it is reasonable to suppose He would 
make no other changes in its government than the change of dis- 
pensation and abolition of sacrifices required. Accordingly in 
the Christian church we find elders not only ordained in every 
church, Acts xiv, 23, in every city, Titus I, 5, but that they also 
formed a part of the General Assembly at Jerusalem, which not 
only governed the particular churches of Jerusalem and Judea 
but those of the whole Gentile world. See Acts xv wherein was an 
appeal to the apostles and elders, and they came together to con- 
sider this matter; that the assembly of apostles and elders had this 
general charge over all the Christian churches, we find from their 
sending them apostles and evangelists, as Peter and John to 
Samaria and Barnabas to Antioch; from the appeal made to them 
from the church at Antioch; from the fact that the church at An- 
tioch had supposed these Judaizing teachers who came from Jeru- 
salem came with authority to teach as they did; from the apostles 
and elders having thought it necessary to say they had given no 
such commandment to them; from the manner in which this decree 
was expressed: ‘‘It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to 
lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things;’’ and 
from the decree extending not only to the church of Antioch which 
had applied for direction, but to all the churches of Syria and 
Cilicia. 

Again, the apostles and evangelists are themselves in subjec- 
tion to this assembly at Jerusalem; they go at their bidding and 
if accused they come to defend themselves. But these apostles 
and evangelists, acting under the authority of the apostles and 
elders, exercise authority over the Gentile churches as well as 
the churches of Judea and Samaria. Paul, when absent, judged 
the incestuous person at Corinth and directed the church to with- 
draw from him; he sent Titus to put the things in order and or- 
dain elders in every city, and the only case in which indepen- 
dency was attempted and this authority disputed which he rec- 


340 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ollected, was that of Diotrephes, so severely censured therefor in 
the third epistle of that disciple whom Jesus loved. 

In reference to expediency: by Mr. Bush’s plan, a single 
ehurch may call and ordain its preacher and he is then uncon- 
trolled in his preaching by any authority on earth, and if ever so 
erroneous or heretical in his principles, will probably carry his 
church with him. The system of independency opened the door 
to Socinianism and Universalism in New England, and has filled 
the Baptist churches of our country with much error, heresy and 
schism. It opens the way to injustice and oppression in the 
church from the influence of the pastor, of family connections, 
or other influence, and leaves the aggrieved party without 
redress. 

Should Mr. Bush’s views be adopted, we would be ecut off 
from communion with all other churches of Christ, and in case 
of his death or removal, would be likely to find no one of his 
sentiments to supply his place. 


Mr. Bush then stated before ordination he had mentioned his 
difficulties on church government to Presbytery and they had 
nevertheless ordained him, and that he had not been so fully es- 
tablished in his views until about a year past. 


The secretary expressed his conviction that the Presbyterian 
form of church government was according to Scripture and he 
eould not abandon it. | 


The chairman, having left the chair, stated that he once re- 
sided in the bounds of the best organized Presbyterian church 
in Kentucky, that its pastor, Barton W. Stone, was very popular 
and was considered a very pious man; yet he began by proposing 
that in ordinary cases they should lay aside the Confession of 
Faith, to which a majority of the church and all the session, ex- 
eept one elder who predicted the consequences, consented; that 
next, the doctrine of election was too strict and must be aban- 
doned, and finally the church became Socinian, and that for his 
part he would not leave the Presbyterian church to follow any 
man in America. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 341 


Mr. Goudy, Mr. Frazer and Mr. Leaverton expressed their 
unwillingness to part with Mr. Bush and were desirous, as they 
were not well acquainted with the principles of church govern- 
ment, that Mr. Bush be invited to preach thereon, to which ef- 
fect Mr. Goudy made a motion, which Mr. Bush desired to be 
altered to ‘‘permitted’’ that he might use his pleasure thereon. 

Mr. Sharpe and Dr. Coe were unwilling to countenance and 
support the preaching of error with no one to contradict it, 
which they conceived to be running into temptation, but ex- 
pressed their willingness, if desired, to meet a public discussion 
of the subject. ) 

When finally a motion was carried to adjourn the meeting 
until next Tuesday evening at this place, to allow time for fur- 
ther consideration, the meeting was closed with prayer. 

Caleb Seudder, Sec’y. John G. Brown, Chairman. 


March 15, 1828. 

The session met at the house of Doctor Coe. Present, E. Sharpe, 
J. G. Brown, C. Scudder and Isaac Coe, when J. G. Brown was 
chosen, chairman and Isaac Coe, secretary, and the meeting opened 
with prayer. 

Resolved, that a concise statement of the terms proposed by 
Mr. Bush as the condition on which he will continue to labor with 
us be prepared by the secretary and furnished to those members of 
this church who can be seen and who from sickness or other causes 
will not be able to attend the meeting of the church on Tuesday 
evening next and their opinion thereon requested; after which the 
meeting was adjourned and closed with prayer. 

Isaac Coe, Secretary John G. Brown, Chairman. 


March 17, 1828. 

The session met at the school room. Present, E. Sharpe, J. G. 
Brown, John Johnson and Isaac Coe. John G. Brown was chosen 
chairman and Isaac Coe, secretary, and the meeting opened with 
prayer. 

Mr. Johnson, an elder of this church, but residing ten miles 
distant from town, not having been present at any previous meet- 
ings of the session on the subject of Mr. Bush’s proposals, the cor- 


342 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


respondence with Mr. Bush and the minutes of the proceedings of 
the session thereon were read, when Mr. Johnson signified his 
cordial consent to all the proceedings of the session thereon. 

Resolved, that the following questions be proposed to the mem- 
bers of the church at their meeting tomorrow evening, viz: 


1. Are you willing to make the alteration proposed by Mr. 
Bush in the form of government of this church? 

2. Are you willing Mr. Bush, while he remains our pastor, 
should preach against the form of government of the Presbyterian 
Church ? 

3. Will you and such others as may unite with you guarantee 
to Mr. Bush $300 for three-fourths of his time for the present 
year? } 

4, Are you willing to continue Mr. Bush as your pastor if in so 
doing you must break off connection with the general body of the 
Presbyterian Church? 


5. Do you approve of the 3 first resolutions adopted by the 
session on the 4th of this month and now read on the subject of 
Mr. Bush’s proposals and of referring them to Presbytery ? 

Adjourned and closed with prayer. 

Isaac Coe, Secretary John G. Brown, Chairman. 


2nd Church Meeting 
Tuesday evening, March 18, 1828. 

The members of the Presbyterian Church met at the school 
room pursuant to adjournment. Present, E. Sharpe, I. Coe, J. G. 
Brown, C. Scudder, John Johnson, Lowry Carothers, John Neg- 
ley, Noah Leaverton, Alex. Frazer, Nathan Pike, Robert Goudy, 
Jesse Blake, Ensley I. Goudy, Mrs. Hays, Mrs. Coe, Mrs. Pierce, 
Alma Coe; Mrs. Lester, Mrs. Negley, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Sharpe, 
Mrs. Scudder, Mrs. Dunlap, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Smith, and China 
Lively, when John G. Brown was chosen chairman and Isaac Coe, 
secretary and the meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Sharpe. 
When the session laid before the meeting the minutes of their pro- 
ceedings relative to the correspondence with their pastor, the Rev. 
George Bush, Mr. Sharpe moved that the same be read. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 343 


Mr. Bush desired that his three original propositions be first 
read and acted on before anything else be read. 

Mr. Sharpe replied that before acting on these propositions the 
session had found it necessary repeatedly to apply to Mr. Bush 
for information in respect to their extent, which Mr. Bush had 
furnished and he apprehended this information would be equally 
necessary for the members to enable them to act understandingly 
thereon. 

Dr. Coe observed that he considered the reading of Mr. Bush’s 
explanations very necessary to our understandingly acting on his 
propositions and particularly as to his views of church govern- 
ment and the extent to which he would preach thereon. But, as 
his letters had been read at the last meeting and the minutes con- 
tained a summary of their contents which Mr. Bush admitted to 
be perfectly correct, together with the answers of the session and 
what course they had taken thereon, he conceived a full view of 
the matters under consideration would be presented without the 
necessity of again reading the lengthy correspondence, which was 
read at. the last meeting. 

Mr. Bush replied that it would take an hour and a half to 
read these minutes; that time was very precious and ought not to 
be wasted; that he had attended to secure the questions being fairly 
taken on his propositions and had not time to wait so long; and 
that he wished the question taken on his original propositions 
without reading the explanations or minutes. 

Mr. Sharpe read those questions which the session had agreed 
to submit to the members of the church for their answers and in- 
quired whether they were satisfactory to Mr. Bush. 

Mr. Bush replied that the 2nd was not, as he had never asked 
liberty to preach against the Presbyterian form of church govern- 
ment but on it and that any such representation was an uncandid 
view of his language; that he wished the question put in the 
language of his original communication. 

Dr. Coe submitted to his consideration the following substitute 
which he hoped would meet his approbation, viz: 

‘*Are you willing that Mr. Bush, while he continues our pastor, 
preach on the subject of church government those views which in 


344 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


his correspondence with the session he has stated he holds and 
shall endeavor to prove?’’ 

Mr. Bush replied it did not meet his approbation, and the ques- 
tion being called for, the meeting decided that they would hear the 
minutes read when Mr. Bush withdrew. But on the request of 
Mr. Leaverton the letters of Mr. Bush were read instead of the 
summary made thereof by the session. 

After which, on motion, the minutes of the last meeting were 
read and the question being on motion put: ‘‘Are these minutes 
substantially correct?’’ it was unanimously decided in the affirm- 
ative. 

A letter marked No. 6 from Mr. Bush, of this date to this meet- 
ing was then read and is in substance as follows, viz: 


He considers himself standing before us in the attitude of 
a candidate for permanent settlement, the term of his previous 
engagement having expired; that the true question is not 
whether this church shall forthwith cease to be a Presbyterian 
society, but whether it will agree to the 3 propositions he has made 
to the session; that he had hardly any hope we would agree to 
his terms and did not think on the whole there was sufficient 
ground for a break in the church, and therefore, wished to with- 
draw quietly and that the elders and brethren would confirm their 
love to each other; that the case was very different between him 
and us, that we have no special objections to the Presbyterian 
system, that it puts no burdens on us which are galling and op- 
pressive and against which our conscience revolts, and provided 
we could enjoy faithful ministrations in the sanctuary and out of 
it, would probably be content to sit all the while under the preach- 
ing of a Presbyterian minister. 

To do justice to the session he must say that they had not 
positively forbidden him to declare his sentiments publicly on any 
subject whatever, but had only said that if he advanced views 
contrary to the established order of the Presbyterian Church, he 
was to consider himself as having forfeited their part of his sub- 
scription; that he believes the members are conscientiously act- 
ing for what they believe the best interests of the church; that he 


Ae Pr ak ot 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 345 


did not question their motives and did not well see how it would 
be possible for them if they designed to come fully up to the spirit 
of the Presbyterian system, to take any other course than they 
have. And the communication coneluded with saying: 

‘<The substance of what I have said is first, that I wish to re- 
‘ sign peaceably any prospects of future continuance among you as 
pastor, and second, that I wish you to keep together in the bonds 
of Christian fellowship.’’ 


On inquiry being made whether Mr. Bush intended by this last 
paragraph to decline continuing as the pastor of this church, Mr. 
Sharpe stated that he himself and Mr. Brown had called on Mr. 
Bush to inquire and received for answer that he did not, but 
wished his proposals to be taken up and acted upon by the meeting. 

The questions prepared by the session were then laid before 
the meeting and taken up in order, viz: 


1. Are you willing to make the alterations proposed by Mr. 
Bush in the form of the government of this church? 

On which the vote was taken, and, Mrs. Hays and Mrs. Lester 
having retired during the reading of the correspondence, the vote 
stood thus: Aye—Robert Goudy—1. 

Noes—Ebenezer Sharpe, Isaac Coe, John G. Brown, Caleb 
Scudder, John Johnson, Lowry Carothers, John Negley, Alexander 
Frazer, Nathan Pike, Jesse Blake, Mrs. Coe, Mrs. Pierce, Alma 
Coe, Mrs. Negley, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Sharpe, Mrs. Seudder, Mrs. 
Dunlap, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Smith, and China Lively—21. And so 
the question was decided in the negative 1 to 21. Mr. Leaverton 
and Ensley F’. Goudy, declining to vote. 

A substitute having been proposed by Dr. Coe for the 2nd 
question and accepted by the session, was proposed viz: 


2. Are you willing that Mr. Bush, while he continues our 
pastor, preach on the subject of church government those views 
which in his correspondence with the session he has stated he holds 
and shall endeavor to prove? 

And on the question being put, it was decided in the negative— 


346 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


1 to 21, all the members voting as on the previous question, and 
Mr. Leaverton and Ensley F. Goudy declining to vote. 

3. The third question being proposed, viz: Will you and such 
as may unite with you guarantee to Mr. Bush three hundred dol- 
lars for three-fourths of his time for the present year? And on 
the question being taken, all the members present, 22 in number, 
voted in the negative, except Noah Leaverton and Ensley F. 
Goudy who declined voting. 

4. The fourth question was then proposed, viz: 

Are you willing to continue Mr. Bush as your pastor if by so 
doing you must break off connection with the Presbyterian 
church? And the question being taken all the members present 
who voted, 21 in number, voted in the negative, Robert Goudy, 
Noah Leaverton and Ensley F.. Goudy declining to vote. 

5. The fifth question being proposed, viz: 

Do you approve of the three first resolutions adopted by the 
session on the 4th inst. and which have now been read relative to 
the proposals of the Rev. Mr. Bush, and our referring them to the 
decision of the Presbytery? And the resolutions referred to hav- 
ing again been read and the question being taken, twenty-two mem- 
bers voted in the affirmative, being all the members present ex- 
cept Mr. Leaverton and Ensley I’. Goudy who declined voting, and 
so the question was decided in the affirmative, no one voting in 
the negative. 


Dr. Coe then proposed the following question, viz: 


Will the church authorize the session to apply to Presbytery 
for the dismissal of the Rev. George Bush from the pastoral care 
of this congregation ? 

In explanation of the necessity of the resolution, he observed 
that as only one member of the church had voted in favor of acced- 
ing to either of Mr. Bush’s proposals, and no one had voted 
to accede to that one which he made indispensable, a sine qua non, 
it was then evident he would not continue with us and we could 
not engage another until the pastoral relation with Mr. Bush was 
dissolved by the Presbytery under whose care we are. 

And the question being put, twenty-one members voted in the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 347 


affirmative, being all the members present except Robert Goudy, 
Noah Leaverton and Ensley F. Goudy, who declined voting, and 
so the question was decided in the affirmative, no one voting in 
the negative. 

The following note was then laid before the meeting by Dr. 
Coe from two members who were unable to attend the meeting, viz: 
‘‘We do not wish to continue the services of our pastor on the 
above named terms (which were those the session furnished, 
marked No. 7) nor to withdraw from the Presbyterian Church, nor 
to encourage him or any one to preach against the Presbyterian 
form of church government. 

(Signed) Phanuel Graham 
Mary Carothers’’ 


Dr. Coe stated that a note of similar import had been sent him 
by Mrs. Elizabeth Morris detained by illness, but which had been 
mislaid. 

Mr. Sharpe stated that Mrs. Yandes, who was unable to attend 
and to whom he had shown the correspondence, heartily concurred 
in the same views. 

And the meeting was adjourned without LORY and closed by 
Dr. Coe with prayer. 

John G. Brown, Chr. 
Caleb Scudder, See’y. 


March 20, 1828. 

The session met at the house of Dr. Coe. Present, EH. Sharpe, 
J. G. Brown, Isaac Coe and Caleb Scudder, when John G. Brown 
was chosen chairman, and Caleb Scudder, secretary, and the meet- 
ing was opened with prayer. 

Resolved that a meeting of the congregation be requested to- 
morrow evening at candle hght at the meeting house to take into 
consideration certain propositions of the Rev. George Bush rela- 
tive to his continuance as pastor of this congregation and that no- 
tice thereof be published in the Indiana Journal. 

John G. Brown, Chr. 
Caleb Scudder, Sec. 


348 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Pursuant to notice given as above directed, a meeting composed 
of the members of this congregation and of persons of other de- 
nominations was held, which, after hearing the letters from Mr. 
Bush to the session and refusing to hear the replies of the session 
thereto, passed certain resolutions approbatory of Mr. Bush as a 
preacher and of his deportment as a man, evidently intended to 
compel the church to continue him as pastor. But not considering 
the doings of the meeting as matter of record which should be 
entered on the sessional book, no copy of the resolutions passed at 
the meeting is inserted here. 

Copy of a communication from the session to those members 
of the church who were not expected to be able to attend the 2nd 
church meeting and which is referred to in the minutes of that 
meeting as marked No. 7: 


To the members of the Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, 
who from ill health, distance or other causes, will in all probability 
be unable to attend the meeting of the members of the church on 
Tuesday evening next: 


Dear Brethren and Sisters,— Our pastor, the Rev. Mr. Bush, hav- 
ing been long dissatisfied with the Presbyterian form of church 
government, has lately submitted to our consideration the terms 
to which it will be necessary for us to agree, if we wish him to con- 
tinue to labor with us, which are in substance as follows, viz: 


1. That in all meetings of the session to do business, the mem- 
bers of the church shall have the privilege of being present, but 
not of voting, but that the session should do nothing without the 
consent and concurrence of a majority of the church present. 

2. That he shall have our hearty consent and full concurrence 
to talk, write, publish and preach against the Presbyterian form 
of church government, with a view of inducing the church to throw 
off the authority of the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly. 

3. That $300 a year be secured to him for three-fourths of his 
time. 

With his views, the session cannot agree to his terms, but de- 
Sires to ascertain the views of the members of the church thereon; 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 349 


we wish each of you to state whether you are desirous of retaining 
his services on the terms above mentioned and will be concerned in 
securing him the above mentioned sum for his labors, and whether 
in fact you are willing to withdraw from the Presbyterian church 
at any rate, or encourage any one in preaching against Presby- 
terianism. 7 
March 15, 1828 (signed) E. Sharpe, John G. Brown, 
Isaac Coe, Caleb Seudder 


March 31, 1828. 

Session met at the home of Dr. Coe. Present, Ebenezer Sharpe, 
Isaac Coe, John G. Brown and Caleb Scudder, when J. G. Brown 
was chosen chairman, and Caleb Seudder, secretary, and the meet- 
ing opened with prayer. 

Resolved that Isaac Coe be appointed a delegate to attend the 
meeting of the Wabash Presbytery about to take place at Fairplay 
and that he be instructed to ask the advice and direction of the 
Presbytery respecting our situation with regard to our pastor 
and to take such steps and make such application as Presbytery 
shall advise or he shall deem expedient in relation thereto, and 
that the following communication by him be addressed to Pres- 
bytery, viz: 


To the Wabash Presbytery about to assemble at Fairplay: 
Fathers and Brethren,— The elders, composing the lay-members 
of the session of the Presbyterian Church, under your care at In- 
dianapolis, are constrained to lay before you certain differences 
between the session and the greater part of the church of the one 
part, and their pastor, the Rev. George Bush of the other, and 
which, we believe, are greatly injuring his usefulness in the gospel 
ministry, are creating dissensions and disunion in the congregation 
over which he presides and we fear engendering such division and 
disunion as will render this people unable to maintain the stated 
ministrations of the Word. 

Under these circumstances we feel it our duty and our privilege 
to lay our case before those who, in the order which Christ has 
established in His Church, we believe are appointed to rule over us 


350 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


and admonish us, for their advice and direction, praying that the 
Lord would guide your deliberations for the building up and har- 
monizing this church and people, the honour of the religion of 
Jesus and the salvation of sinners. 

And they have appointed Isaac Coe, one of the members of 
session to attend the meeting of your body, as a delegate from this 
church, and have desired him to lay before you the correspondence 
which has passed between our pastor and ourselves on the subjects 
of difference and our proceedings thereon, as well as to represent 
to your body the views and feelings of the session relative thereto. 
And the meeting was adjourned and concluded with prayer. 

John G. Brown, Moderator. 
Caleb Scudder, Clerk. 


On asking the advice and direction of Presbytery, the delegate 
received the following advice, viz: 


Resolved that it is the advice of this Presbytery that the ses- 
sion of the church of Indianapolis apply as soon as practicable to 
the Presbytery to have the pastoral relation between said church 
and Mr. Bush dissolved : 

1. Because Mr. Bush has avowed and habitually expressed 
sentiments which are directly at variance with the form of gov- 
ernment of the Presbyterian church, and now manifests by his 
statements to us that he is firmly established in these sentiments. 

2. Because his avowal and expression of his peculiar senti- 
ments have already been the occasion of unhappy dissensions in 
said church and that if the pastoral relation is continued under 
these circumstances, we cannot expect the difficulties to be re- 
moved but on the contrary increased, as said church cannot adopt 
and practice the principles avowed and expressed by Mr. Bush and 
yet exist as a Presbyterian church. 

3. Because we deem it to be essential in keeping the unity of 
the spirit in the bonds of peace, that the pastor as moderator of 
the session, should harmonize and co-operate in transacting the af- 
fairs of the church according to the known and established prin- 
ciples of the church as adopted by that general body or branch of 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BOL 


the church with which the individual church is most immediately 
connected. 


Whereupon the delegate applied to Presbytery in behalf of the 
session, in accordance with the preceding advice, for a dissolution 
of the connection between Mr. Bush and the church of Indian- 
apolis, and the Presbytery appointed a meeting of its body at 
Indianapolis on the 20th of June next to consider the application, 
and addressed a letter of advice to the church. 


! May 24, 1828. 

The session met at the house of Dr. Coe. Present, E. Sharpe, I. 
Coe, John G. Brown and Caleb Scudder, when John G. Brown was 
chosen chairman and Caleb Scudder secretary, and the meeting 
opened with prayer. 

Resolved that the advice of Presbytery to session and the letter 
to the church be publicly read to the church and congregation im- 
mediately after divine service next sabbath by Mr. Sharpe, mem- 
ber of session. 

2. That should Mr. Bush request another meeting of the 
church to take into consideration their vote respecting the applica- 
tion to Presbytery for a dissolution of the pastoral relation, 
Mr. Sharpe be authorized in behalf of session to agree in calling it 
and in fixing on the time and place at which it shall be holden. 

Adjourned and closed with prayer. 

John G. Brown, Chr. 
Caleb Scudder, Clerk. 


June 19, 1828. 
Session met; meeting opened and closed with prayer, and EKb- 
enezer Sharpe appointed a delegate to attend the meeting of Pres- 
bytery to be held tomorrow in this place. 
John G. Brown, Chr. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


June 22, 1828. 
This day the pastoral relation between the Rev. George Bush 
and this church was dissolved by Presbytery and the church de- 
clared vacant. 


352 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


July 1, 1828. 

Session met at the house of Dr. Isaac Coe. Present, HE. Sharpe, 
J. G. Brown and Isaac Coe, when John G. Brown was chosen 
stated moderator of session when no clergyman is present and Isaac 
Coe stated clerk, and the meeting opened with prayer. 

Upon information being received that our late pastor, the Rev. 
George Bush, who has commenced preaching to another congrega- 
tion in this place, formed of members of our church, those who 
formerly worshipped with us, and others, has appointed a prayer 
meeting of the members of our church at his house, with the in- 
tention, it is reported, of forming a new church out of the members 
of this church; therefore, resolved that Messrs. Sharpe, Brown and 
Seudder be appointed to call on the members of our chureh and 
warn them of the impropriety of becoming members of any church 
Mr. Bush may attempt to form or of countenancing him in the 
course he is pursuing. 

Adjourned with prayer. 

John G. Brown, Chairman. 
Isaae Coe, Clerk. 


July 7, 1828. 

Session met at the house of Dr. Coe. Present, The Rev. Wil- 
liam Sickels of the Presbytery of Winchester, Ebenezer Sharpe, J. 
G. Brown, C. Scudder and I. Coe, when Mr. Sickels, being re- 
quested, consented to serve as moderator and meeting constituted 
with prayer. 

Mr. ——, having been notified by a member of session, 
attended to answer the charge of intemperance and confessed the 
fact of having been publicly intoxicated about the Ist of June last, 
for which he expressed regret, and, after his retirement and some 
conversation thereon, the subject was deferred for further consid- 
eration and Mr. Scudder was appointed to notify him to attend to- 
morrow evening to answer to a charge of schism, and session ad- 
journed to this place tomorrow evening at 6 o’clock and was closed 
with prayer. 





Wm. Sickels, Moderator. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 353 


July 8, 1828. 

Session met according to adjournment. Present, Rev. Wm. 
Sickels, moderator, and E. Sharpe, J. G. Brown, Caleb Scudder. 
Caleb Scudder was chosen clerk and the meeting opened with 
prayer. 

Mr. appearing according to notification, the charge 
resting on common fame on which he was notified to attend, was 
mentioned to him, viz: 

SCHISM list: The signing, circulating and inducing others to 
sign a paper presented to Presbytery at their spring session to op- 
pose the decision of session and of the church without a dissenting 
voice at a public meeting regularly called, relative to the applica- 
tion to dissolve the pastoral relation between Mr. Bush and this 
church and without asking any reconsideration of the subject by 
the session or church. 

2nd. The drawing, signing and circulating a subscription for 
the support of our late pastor as a preacher of the gospel in this 
place after the dissolution of the connection between him and this 
church and in opposition to the proper authority of this church. 

3rd. The withdrawal of himself and family from the public 
worship of God with this church on the Sabbath and encouraging 
Mr. Bush in his attempt to divide and weaken this church by 
attending on his ministry. 

All which specifications he admitted to be true, and did not ex- 
press any penitence therefor or purpose of amendment. 

Whereupon session postponed a decision thereon for further 
consideration. 

Ann Ray and Eliza Brown, having applied to be admitted 
members of this church, and their examination being satisfactory, 
they were accordingly admitted, and session adjourned and closed 
with prayer. 








Wm. Sickels, Moderator. 
Caleb Scudder, Sec. 
July 10, 1828. 
Session met. Present, Rev. William Sickels, moderator, E. 
Sharpe, J. G. Brown, C. Scudder and Isaac Coe. Meeting consti- 
tuted with prayer, when James Blake applied to be admitted a 


354 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


member of this church, and his examination being satisfactory he 
was admitted, after which the session took up the deferred case 
of It appearing to the session of his own acknowledg- 
ment that , a member of this church, has been publicly 
intoxicated, has signed himself and circulated for the signatures 
of others a paper intended to defeat an application to Presbytery 
by the session, sanctioned by a vote of the church, and also a sub- 
scription for the support of the Rev. George Bush to preach in this 
place after his dismissal from the pastoral care of this church by 
Presbytery and in opposition to the authority of session, the 
evident tendency of which is to divide the church and render it 
unable or less able to support the gospel; that he has ceased to 
attend the public worship of God with this church on the Sabbath, 
habitually attending the ministration of our late pastor, thereby 
encouraging him in his attempt to divide the church: 

Believing this conduct very inconsistent with the Christian 
character and the relation in which he stands to this church as well 
as his promise made on being received to membership to ‘‘submit 
to the orderly administration of government, and to be regular in 
attendance on the public worship of the church,’’ and, as he has ex- 
pressed no penitence for the schismatic part of his course, or inti- 
mated any purpose of amendment, the members of session feel it 
their duty to express decided disapprobation of the course he is 
pursuing, and do, therefore, for the sins of intemperance and 
schism, suspend him from the privileges arising from membership 
in this church, until satisfactory evidence of repentance is mani- 
fested, and that as the offenses were public the decision of the 
session be publicly read. 

Session adjourned and concluded with prayer. 
Wm. Sickels, Moderator. 














Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


July 12, 1828. 
Session met at the house of Dr. Coe to receive applications for 
admission to membership in the church. Present, Rev. W. Sickels, 
moderator, E. Sharpe, C. Scudder, J. G. Brown and Isaac Coe. 
Meeting constituted with prayer, when Otis Sprague and Cather- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SDs 


ine, his wife, applied for admission on certificate from the church 
at Harmony Osage Mission and Mrs. Margaret McDougal on cer- 
tificate from the Presbyterian church at Adelphi, Ross county, 
Ohio, and the certificates being deemed regular and they severally 
having assented to our church covenant, were admitted to mem- 
bership. 
Session adjourned and closed with prayer. 
Wm. Sickels, Moderator. 

Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


Sabbath, July 13th. 
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was administered to the 
ehurch by the Rev. William Sickels, assisted by the Rev. James 
Dunean, from which those members who usually attend the preach- 
ing of Mr. Bush generally absented themselves; still the number 
present, including the six new members, was nearly as large as 
usual on former occasions. 
August 6, 1828. 
Session met at the house of Isaac Coe; present Rey. William 
Sickels, moderator, Ebenezer Sharpe, John G. Brown, Caleb 
Seudder and Isaac Coe. Meeting constituted with prayer, when 
an application, made by Noah Leaverton, through one of the 
members of session, to be dimissed from the watch and care of this 
ehurch to join the Methodist Episcopal Church, was taken up; 
whereupon, Resolved, that a certificate of his membership in this 
church be given to Noah Leaverton mentioning, that, although he 
may be lable to a charge of schism, yet that no charge has actually 
been made against him, and that whenever evidence is produced 
to the session that he has been received into said church he will be 
considered as dismissed from under the watch and care of this 
church. 
Adjourned and closed with prayer. 
Wm. Sickels, Moderator 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 
In pursuance of the above named resolution of the session, a 
certificate was given Noah Leaverton of which the following is a 
copy, Viz: 


356 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Indianapolis, August 6, 1828. 

At a meeting of the session of the Presbyterian Church of In- 
dianapolis, Noah Leaverton, a member of said church, having ap- 
plied to be dismissed therefrom to unite with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of this place: It is hereby certified that Noah Lea- 
verton is a member of this church in regular standing, and al- 
though he may be lable to a charge of schism, yet that no charge 
has been preferred against him and that whenever he shall produce 
to the session a certificate of being received to membership in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Indianapolis, he will be considered 
as dismissed from the watch and care of this church. 

By order of the session. 

Wm. Sickels, Moderator 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


August 16, 1828. 

Session met at the house of Ebenezer Sharpe; present, the Rev. 
James Duncan of the Presbytery of Madison, who being requested, 
acted as moderator, Ebenezer Sharpe, John G. Brown, Caleb 
Seudder and Isaac Coe, when a letter from Noah Leaverton in 
relation to his certificate of dismissal was read, in which he com- 
plains of the intimation therein contained that he may be liable to 
a charge of schism, and asks a trial on the charges supposed to be 
contained in the above intimation. Whereupon, the session re- 
solved that Mr. Leaverton is entitled on his request to a trial on the 
charge of schism. And Mr. Leaverton being present, the follow- 
ing specifications resting on common fame were taken up and in- 
quired into, viz: ) 

1. That said Noah Leaverton did subscribe to a paper ad- 
dressed to the Presbytery of Wabash at their regular spring ses- 
sion, intended to defeat the effect of the vote of the church. regu- 
larly passed, authorizing the session to apply to the Presbytery to 
dissolve the pastoral relation existing between Mr. Bush and this 
church, and the application of the session in accordance therewith, 
which paper was circulated and signed without the consent of the 
session or any application to them to call together the church to 
reconsider its vote. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 357 


2. That after the dismission of Mr. Bush from the pastoral 
eare of this church, said Leaverton did subscribe towards his sup- 
port to preach in this place without the consent of the session of 
this church and which course seemed calculated to divide and 
weaken the church of which he was a member. 


3. That he has, since the dissolution of the connection of this 
ehurch with Mr. Bush, generally abandoned the public worship of 
God with this church as well as the meetings of the church for 
prayer, and has attended the ministry of our late pastor, thereby 
encouraging him in the attempt to divide and weaken or destroy 
this church. 

And Mr. Leaverton being inquired of as to the truth of the 
facts contained in the foregoing charges, acknowledged that all 
the facts contained therein are true, but expressed no penitence 
for his conduct therein, but stated he thought they did not make 
him guilty of schism and that under the same circumstances he 
would pursue the same course again. 

Whereupon, the session, considering the charges above made as 
established by the confession of Mr. Leaverton, and that they are 
decidedly schismatic and call for the disapprobation of the church, 
and that as he evinces no penitence therefor or disposition to sub- 
mit to the censure of the church, they do decide that he be sus- 
pended from participation in sealing ordinances in the church 
until sufficient evidence of his penitence is given, or further steps 
shall be taken by the session, and that as the offense is public, this 
decision be publicly read in the church. And he was accordingly 
suspended by the moderator in pursuance of the above decision. 
Meeting adjourned and closed with prayer. 


Isaac Coe, Clerk James Dunean, Mod. 


Sept. 27, 1828. 
Session met at the house of Dr. Coe; present, Rev. William 
Sickels, moderator, E. Sharpe, C. Scudder, and Isaac Coe. Meet- 
ing constituted with prayer. Resolved that the secretary pre- 
pare a memorial to Presbytery on the subject of our late pastor, 
the Rev. Geo. Bush continuing to preach in this place producing 


358 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


division in the church and congregation, and submit the same to 
session. 

Resolved, 2nd, that John G. Brown be appointed our delegate to 
attend the next meetings of Presbytery and Synod. 

Resolved, 3rd, that the answer of Mr. Sharpe, a member of 
session, in August last to a communication from the Rev. George 
Bush to him, but evidently intended for the session and which 
answer was given by the authority of the session but of which no 
record was made at the time, be now recorded as done by author- 
ity of session and that the letter of Mr. Bush, our answer, and his 
reply, or copies thereof, be laid before Presbytery with our me- 
morial to Presbytery. | 

Adjourned to meet on Thursday evening next at this place, 
and closed with prayer. 

Wm. Sickels, Moderator. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


October 2, 1828. 
Session met at the house of Dr. Coe; present, J. G. Brown, C. 
Scudder, and Isaac Coe; constituted with prayer, when the moder- 
ator laid before the meeting the draft of a memorial to Presbytery 
which he had prepared in obedience to the order of the last meet- 
ing, which was approved, ordered to be signed by the chairman and 
secretary, and forwarded to Presbytery. Adjourned and closed 
with prayer. 
Isaae Coe, Clerk. 
Thus far examined and approved by Presbytery, October 13; 
1828. . 


James Thomson, Moder. 


Copy of memorial to Presbytery referred to in the above 
minute. | 


To the Wabash Presbytery, about to assemble at Washington, 
Daviess County. | 
Fathers and Brethren,— 
The members of the session of the Presbyterian Church at Indi- 
anapolis, again feel it their duty and their privilege to lay before 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 359 


your body a statement of the situation of the church whose officers 
they are, trusting that your wisdom and paternal care may be 
beneficially exerted in our behalf. 

In so doing, we regret that we must complain of our late pas- 
tor and spiritual guide, one whom we had once hoped would have 
been eminently useful in building up, edifying and instructing our 
infant church, instead of which we are grieved to find his chief 
exertions now devoted to dividing and destroying a church which, 
so long as his own conduct would permit, continued to him her 
friendly confidence and pecuniary support: some of these members 
whom he is leading astray, continue their former attachment. 

When the pastoral relation between Mr. Bush and this people 
was dissolved, because he could no longer conscientiously submit 
to our form of church government, it seemed reasonable to suppose 
he would have withdrawn from a connection in which he had 
stated he could not hope to serve God according to those rules 
which he conscientiously believed He had laid down in His word 
for the government of His people, and would have sought what he 
had stated was the alternative, to associate himself in such church 
connection as would ensure harmony in sentiment and proceeding ; 
and should he in consequence have united with some other denom- 
ination of Christians, still it would have been hoped that he would 
have regarded us as a Christian church which as a Christian he 
ought not to injure, and that the attachment and sympathy of the 
members which had liberally been bestowed on him would have 
led him to rejoice in our temporal and spiritual welfare, even if in 
some points we did not see with him and were unwilling to alter 
what we believed scriptural and expedient. 

When it was found Mr. Bush retained his standing as a mem- 
ber of Presbytery, it seemed still more reasonable to believe he 
would refrain from endeavoring to divide and ruin a church under 
the care of that Presbytery of which he himself was a member, 
and that his feeling as an honorable man and a Christian would 
revolt from the thought of using, to carry away a church from the 
Presbyterian communion, that influence which had been acquired 
only by having it placed by Presbytery under his care. 

But, however reasonable such expectations may have been of 


360 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the conduct which would have been pursued by a Christian and a 
minister of the gospel of peace, all who may have indulged them 
have been grievously disappointed. Ever since the connection be- 
tween Mr. Bush and this church was dissolved, he has continued to 
preach in the court-house in this place for the greater portion of 
his time, fixing his hours of preaching exactly at the time our 
church statedly meets for worship; affects still, as we understand, 
to be the pastor of this congregation, and has assumed the author- 
ity to appoint prayer meetings for the church distinct from those 
appointed by the session. 


This course is calculated to divide and weaken or ruin a 
church, previously small and hardly able to support the gospel, as 
is evident from its effects, a large portion of his hearers and sup- 
porters being those who formerly worshipped with us and assisted 
us In supporting the gospel, and who but for the division he has 
introduced would doubtless have continued so to do; and some 
are members of our church, who confiding in the honesty and 
correctness of a member of the Presbytery under whose care they 
are, and one who for years has been their spiritual guide, to whom 
they have been accustomed to look for instruction, follow in the 
path in which he leads, and rejecting the authority of the officers 
of the church of which they are members, and refusing to attend 
with us the worship of God, or our social meetings for prayer, are 
living as without any church relation, and with him whom they 
follow, are neglecting to obey the dying command of our Saviour 
to commemorate His sufferings. 


Some of the effects of such a course appear on our church 
records, and we would ask the advice of Presbytery as to the for- 
bearance which should be exercised towards other members tread- 
ing in the same steps, but against whom no charges of immorality 
are made. 

That Mr. Bush considers his course as calculated to injure or 
destroy this church, we have the evidence of his own declarations. 

In his letter to Mr. Sharpe of June 12, 1827, he says: ‘‘Have 
I not every reason to believe that I could not return and endeavor 
to have the church modeled on these principles without tearing 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 361 


it to pieces; and in its present infant state would it be wisdom 
or duty to think of such a thing?’’ 

_ In his letter to the church of March 18, 1828, he says: ‘‘ There 
does not on the whole appear to me to be a sufficient reason at 
present for a break in the church. The case is very different with 
you from what it is with me. You have probably never paid 
much attention to those points which occasion my difficulties. 
You have no special objections to the Presbyterian system. It puts 
no burdens upon you which are galling and oppressive, or against 
which your conscience revolts, and provided you could enjoy 
faithful ministrations in the sanctuary and out of it, you would 
probably be content to sit all the while under the preaching of a 
Presbyterian minister. Considering that this is the case, and more- 
over that the society is weak and small and hardly able to support 
a minister at any rate, it seems greatly to be deprecated that any 
divisions should take place, for there is reason to fear that division 
would be destruction.’’ 

Since dissolution of the connection, Mr. Bush evidently con- 
siders his continuance a great injury to this church and has made 
several proposals to us to purchase his going away, but all (by 
which he continues to abide) on terms to which we could not con- 
scientiously accede. To one of these proposals, a number of the 
members of Presbytery were witnesses; another is contained near 
the close of his letter to session since the dissolution, and appears 
to be the object for which the whole was written. And, since his 
terms were not complied with, he threatens us in his 2nd letter 
with his continuance here in the following language: ‘‘ Brethren, I 
have been wronged, and the cause of Christ has been injured by 
your pertinacity in an evil way. No redress has been offered me 
by you, and now nothing remains but I must take such as Provi- 
dence puts in my hands, in other words nothing remains but I must 
stay, AND BY THE BLESSING OF GOD I AM DETERMINED 
TO STAY. I solemnly affirm before the Judge of the quick and 
the dead that this session has seemed determined to drive me out 
under a shower of falsifications and obloquy and I am determined 
not to go. As to all the threatened acts and edicts of Presbyteries 
and Synods, so long as I have peace of conscience founded on the 


362 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


blood of sprinkling I regard them not. They had better indite 
them and throw them to the wind.’’ 

We have been accustomed to view the enjoyment of able and 
faithful ministers of Jesus as a privilege, and believe they are 
usually sought and earnestly solicited, and once hailed the com- 
ing of Mr. Bush to reside among us as a blessing to this people. 
Little then did we think the time would come when he would 
threaten to inflict the continuance of his labors as a scourge. 

Accompanying this memorial, we send a letter received from 
Mr. Bush since the dissolution of his connection with our church, 
our reply and his rejoinder, which last is written in such a temper 
and is so little an answer to ours, that we have thought it unneces- 
sary and unadvisable to reply. We think it important that these 
letters should be laid before your body, that you may be aware 
what sentiments he expresses as well as what charges he brings 
against us and which we have reason to believe are made orally 
and by writing at home and abroad. Of the unfounded character 
of most of these charges, Presbytery has itself the means of judg- 
ing, and we would ask the advice of our fathers and brethren 
whether silently to bear the misrepresentations and obloguy which 
are continually heaped upon us, or to use the ample means in our 
hands to justify ourselves and Presbytery before the public. 

In conclusion, we would observe that we believe Mr. Bush is 
only enabled to do this church much injury from his professing to 
be a Presbyterian and retaining his standing as a Presbyterian 
minister and member of your body. 

By order of the session, J. G. Brown, Mod., I. Coe, Clerk. 


October 17, 1828. 
Session met; present, Rev. John R. Moreland,* of the Presbytery 
of West Lexington, moderator, Ebenezer Sharpe, John G. Brown, 
Caleb Scudder and Isaac Coe; session constituted with prayer, 
when James M. Ray, Mrs. Noel and Isabella Sharpe were ad- 
mitted to membership on examination and session closed with 
prayer. Isaae Coe, Clerk. 





*Rev. Mr. Moreland was called as pastor of this church Oct. 27, 1828, 
and arrived in Indianapolis with his family on Dec. 9th, but the date of 
his installation was not recorded. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 363 


October 18, 1828. 
Session met; present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, moderator, E. 
Sharpe and Isaae Coe, constituted with prayer when Mrs. Nancy 
Sharpe was received to membership on certificate from the Pres- 
byterian church of Vernon and Harriet EKaglesfield on examina- 
tion, and session closed with prayer. 


October 19, 1828. 

Session met at the school room. Present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, 
moderator, EK. Sharpe, J. G. Brown and Caleb Scudder and the 
meeting was constituted by prayer and Ebenezer Sharpe desig- 
nated as clerk pro tem when ——— Parr was admitted to member- 
ship on examination, Mrs. Matilda Hall on certificate from Pis- 
gah Church, Henry county, Kentucky and Mrs. Elizabeth Fols on 
certificate from the Presbyterian church Larry’s Run, Colum- 
biana County, Ohio; closed with prayer. 


November 7, 1828. 
Session met; present, Rev. John M. Dickey, moderator, E. 
Sharpe, J. G. Brown and Isaac Coe, constituted with prayer, when 
Hiram Bacon was admitted to membership on examination. Ses- 
sion closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


November 8, 1828. 
Session met at school room; present, Rev. John M. Dickey, mod- 
erator, E. Sharpe, J. G. Brown, and Caleb Scudder. Session con- 
stituted with prayer, when applied to have the suspen- 
sion removed, stating that since the suspension he had not been 
intoxicated, but justifying the course he had pursued in relation 
to Mr. Bush; whereupon, after a recess, when the members before 
present were reassembled together with Isaac Coe, it was resolved 
that there is not yet sufficient evidence of the repentance of 

to justify withdrawing his suspension. 2 
Mrs. Hays then, through a member of the session, requested 
that Mr. Bush be permitted to baptize her infant child during time 
of worship in the Presbyterian meeting house. Whereupon, Re- 














364 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


solved, that he be permitted to do so provided it shall be explained 
by the committee of Synod that it is done at the request of Mrs. 
Hays and that it be further explained, that all connection between 
Mr. Bush and this church is dissolved by Presbytery and con- 
firmed by Synod, and that he now stands as a stranger to this 
church. From this permission Isaac Coe dissented on account of 
the unchristian conduct of Mr. Bush in endeavoring to divide and 
ruin this church for which he has given no evidence of penitence, 
and because such permission will countenance those members of 
our church who leave the worship of our church and attend on 
his ministry. Session closed with prayer. 

Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


November 15, 1828. 

Session met; present E. Sharpe, J. G. Brown and Isaac Coe. 
Meeting constituted with prayer; application was made by Mr. 
Sharpe from Nancy Leaverton for a letter of dismissal to join 
the Methodist Episcopal church and by Mr. Brown in favor of 
Nathan Pike and wife for dismissal to the Presbyterian church at 
Hillsborough, Ohio, to which they were about to remove. On mo- 
tion, resolved that both applications be granted. Resolved, that the 
complaint made by session to the General Assembly of the remarks 
appended to their confirmation of the decision of Presbytery dis- 
solving the connection between the church and their pastor, the 
Rev. George Bush, which complaint, ordered to be put on record, 
be now entered as done by the session at the time of its date. Meet- 
ing closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


COPY OF COMPLAINT TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY 


To the Rev. John F. Crowe, Moderator of the Synod of Indi- 
ana: 


The session of the Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, hav- 
ing seen a copy of what is said to be the decision of Synod at its 
last meeting on the case of the church at this place said.to have 
been brought up on complaint of the Rev. George Bush, in which 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 365 


this session does not appear to have been considered as one of the 
parties, feel it to be our duty to complain to the General Assembly 
of the remarks of Synod appended to the confirmation of the de- 
cision of Presbytery, as well also that Synod did not rectify when 
the case was before them what we conceive to be an error in the 
reason given for the decision of Presbytery: 


1. Because we doubt the right of Synod to explain a de- 
cision of Presbytery. 


2. Because the explanation given by Synod is calculated to 
eonvey to people generally that Mr. Bush was not blamable in the 
course he had taken and that there was no cause for a dissolution 
of the connection on the original ground of complaint arising from 
the sentiments which Mr. Bush held, preached and attempted to 
introduce into practice, and if the decision of Presbytery taken in 
connection with the advice given to the session to apply for a dis- 
solution of the connection, does not clearly show that Mr. Bush’s 
sentiments and his attempt to introduce them into practice were 
the original and principal grounds of the dissolution of the con- 
nection, we think Synod ought from the documents before them to 
have directed an amendment of the decision, so as clearly to ex- 
press that fact; and we complain that Synod did not direct the de- 
cision to be so amended, inasmuch as if Mr. Bush were not censur- 
able for attempting to preach and introduce his views, and this was 
no cause for the dissolution of the connection, the session must 
have been blamable for asking the dissolution and Presbytery for 
advising them to do it. 


3. Because the remarks of Synod state that heated feelings on 
both sides had an influence in leading to the result, when there 
was no evidence, we think, in the documents before Synod that 
there had been any heated feelings on the part of session; while 
such an opinion goes to say that Mr. Bush’s sentiments and his 
attempts to introduce them into practice were not alone sufficient 
eause of a dissolution of the connection. 


4. Because the remarks of Synod seem calculated to carry the 
idea that Mr. Bush’s sentiments are not essentially anti-Presby- 


366 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


terian, while the documents before Synod went to show that in his 
preaching to this congregation he had declared that there was 
not in the Scriptures a shadow of authority for any government 
beyond the bounds of a single church, and had stated in writing 
to the session that he was not satisfied that himself or the church 
under his charge should retain any relation to Presbytery, Synod 
or the General Assembly which should acknowledge the right of 
these bodies to have any authoritative control over the doings of 
our society, and that he could not hope to serve God, according to 
those rules laid down in His word in the Presbyterian connection. 

5. Because, in saying that Mr. Bush’s private sentiments are 
not so heretical as to exclude him from the Presbyterian connec- 
tion, it evidently carries the idea that Synod is giving an opinion 
that that approbation of the Presbyterian form of government 
which every candidate must profess previous to ordination, is not 
requisite after ordination. 

6. But the session more particularly complains that the re- 
marks of Synod are calculated to impose him on the members of 
our church as a Presbyterian in principle and uncensurable in the 
course he is taking, thereby aiding him in the attempt he is now 
making to divide and ruin this church and to weaken the hands of 
session in attempting to exercise discipline over those members 
who follow him, as well as that they are calculated to discourage 
the session of any church under the care of Synod from attempt- 
ing to resist the introduction of error and heresy into the church by 
its pastor. 

In conclusion, the session would say that not having the copy 
of the remarks before them they do not pretend accurately to state 
the language expressed, and they complain more particularly of 
the sentiments these remarks are calculated generally to convey, 
than of the precise sentiments expressed; and would further re- 
mark that they do not complain of the irregular manner in which 
the case appears to have been taken up by Synod because they wish 
the subject to come before the General Assembly on its merits. _ 
Indianapolis, October 27, 1828. 

By order of session 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. John G. Brown, Moderator 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 367 


Sabbath morning, February 15, 1829. 
Session met at the school room; present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, 
moderator, Ebenezer Sharpe, Caleb Scudder and Isaac Coe. Ses- 
sion constituted with prayer when Mary Ray, Mary Peppard and 
Joseph Scudder were on examination received to membership in 
this church. Session closed with prayer and adjourned. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


Sabbath evening, February 15th. 
Session met; present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, moderator, C. 
Seudder, E. Sharpe and J. Johnson. Meeting constituted with 
prayer, when Polly Johnson was admitted to membership on ex- 
amination. Adjourned and closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 1, 1829, morning. 
Session met. Present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, E. Sharpe, C. Scud- 
der, Isaac Coe. Constituted with prayer, when Emily Kimberly 
was on examination admitted to membership in the church. Closed 
with prayer. | 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 1, 1829, After Preaching. 
Session met. Present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, EK. Sharpe, C. Scud- 
der, J. Johnson and Isaac Coe. Constituted with prayer when on 


examination John Hall was admitted to membership. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 14, 1829. 
Session met. Present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, moderator, Rev. 
Wm. Sickels, E. Sharpe, C. Scudder, and Isaac Coe. Constituted 
with prayer when Rebecca Finch was received to membership on 


examination. Closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 17, 1829. 
Session met. Present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, moderator, Rev. 
Wm. Sickels, E. Sharpe, and Isaac Coe. Constituted with prayer, 
when the letter and accompanying resolution, which had been 


368 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


unanimously passed, were immediately pasted in the book. Closed 
with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 
March 17, 1829. 
Indianapolis, Ind. 
To the Reverend, the Presbytery of the Wabash: 
Dear Brethren : 

The session of the church of Indianapolis, being sincerely at- 
tached to the order and doctrines of the Presbyterian Church are 
convineed that some measures ought to be adopted to disseminate 
more generally a knowledge of those truths and principles which 
we believe accord with the Word of God. It is well known to all 
enlightened Presbyterians that there is a great lack of correct in- 
formation, especially in these Western states on the peculiarities 
of Presbyterianism, as well as those points of doctrine which are 
generally denominated CALVINISTIC. And, moreover, it is well 
known that Presbyterians are greatly misrepresented on these sub- 
jects by the teachers and members of other denominations (and 
that scarcely any means are left unemployed in order to weaken 
and circumscribe the influence of the Presbyterian church). Now, 
brethren, firmly as we are attached to this our own church, and 
dear as her interests are to our hearts, we trust that in wishing to 
see these interests advanced, we are not influenced by a mere spirit 
of sectarianism. No, but it is because we honestly believe these 
principles and doctrines are agreeable to the Word of God, and 
are best calculated to promote the purity and spirituality of the 
church. It is not unknown to you that almost every other denom- 
ination is sedulously engaged in promoting its own peculiar views 
by the publication and circulation of tracts adapted to effect these 
purposes. But nothing of this kind has yet been attempted by the 
Presbyterian Church, as such, and we are fully persuaded that the 
time has come when something should be done. While we are 
sleeping the enemy is sowing his tares which are taking root and 
springing up in every part of our land. When our missionaries go 
forth to ‘‘testify the gospel of the grace of God’’ they have to con- 
tend not only with the ignorance and the native hostility of the 
human heart, but with the prejudices generally existing against the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 369 


peculiar doctrines of the Presbyterian Church which prejudices 
are awakened and fostered by the more wary partisans of the other 
sects. 

Now, brethren, should not some plan be matured in order to 
counteract an influence so formidable to the best interests of re- 
ligion? May we not receive lessons of wisdom from those who 
differ from us so widely on points of doctrine and discipline? Do 
we not owe it as a duty to ourselves, to our Church and to our God 
to endeavor to correct misrepresentation and to diffuse as far as 
possible those sentiments which we hold and which we believe to 
be for the general edification? We hesitate not to answer in the 
affirmative, and under the influence of this conviction the session 
of this church has determined respectfully to present the subject 
to the attention of the Presbytery, and to this end has adopted 
the following resolutions, viz: 


1. That we believe it the duty of those called in Providence to 
act as teachers and rulers in the Presbyterian Church to take more 
effectual measures to instruct the members of our churches, their 
families and those who usually worship with them in what our 
ehurch holds as the truths of God’s word comprised in that view of 
the plan of salvation usually termed Calvinistic; the subjects and 
mode of baptism, our form of church government and the support 
of the ministry of the gospel, subjects which are so continually as- 
sailed and misrepresented, and so little defended, as generally to 
have become unpopular, at least in the Western country, to have 
excited strong prejudices against the preaching of the gospel by 
Presbyterian ministers and to have been the means of proselyting 
great numbers of those brought up as Presbyterians to other de- 
nominations. 

2. That we believe the most easy, effectual and least offensive 
mode of doing this is by the general circulation of well written 
tracts on these subjects calculated to meet the objections and mis- 
representations circulated in the different sections of our coun- 
try, but which the general union of Christian societies in the Amer- 
ican Tract Society prevents being published by that society. 

_ 3. That we believe the best method of publishing and circulat- 


370 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ing such tracts will be by the General Assembly’s acting as a gen- 
eral tract society to which Synods and Presbyteries should be aux- 
iliary and every church session an auxiliary branch to its Presby- 
tery, and each member requested and others invited to pay a stated 
small sum, say 25 cents annually (the church paying for its poorer 
members), and for which 10 pages of tracts delivered in the 
bounds of every church should be returned for every cent paid, by 
which means a fund of $40,000 to $80,000 would be annually 
raised for that purpose, the tracts circulated in every part of the 
United States where a Presbyterian Church exists while by their 
continual succession the ever: varying forms of error would be 
speedily exposed. | 


4. That in case the General Assembly should decline engaging 
therein we believe the several synods ought to do it, and in case 
they decline that it ought to be done by the several Presbyteries 
or even individual churches. 


5). That this session hereby pledges itself to pay 25 cents an- 
nually for that purpose for every member of this church when- 
ever the business shall be undertaken by the General Assembly, 
the Synod of Indiana or the Wabash Presbytery, and in case none 
of them undertakes it before January Ist next, this session 
will publish at least one tract annually for the use of this congre- 
gation and such others as may unite with it. 


And now, Fathers and Brethren, it is our desire in presenting 
these resolutions to your consideration, that should they meet your 
approbation you would forward them to the Synod of Indiana and 
the General Assembly with the benefit of your recommendation, 
and that at any rate you would present them to these bodies as 
wishes of one of the churches under your charge. 

By order of the Session. 


March 18, 1829. 
Session met at the school room; present Rev. J. R. Moreland, E. 
Sharpe, C. Scudder and Isaac Coe; constituted with prayer, when 
Doctor Charles McDougal, Martha Smith, wife of Thomas Smith, 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH syel 


Polly Beck and Mrs. Davis, wife of J. W. Davis were on ex- 
amination received to membership in this church and meeting 
closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 





March 21, 1829. 


Session met at school room; present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, mod- 
erator, Rev. D. Monfort, E. Sharpe, C. Scudder and I. Coe. Con- 
stituted with prayer, when Maria Coe Ray, wife of James M. Ray 
and Nancy, wife of Parr were received into membership. 
Closed with prayer. 





Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 24, 1829. 


Session met. Present, J. R. Moreland, E. Sharpe, J. G. Brown, 
C. Scudder and Isaae Coe. Session constituted with prayer when 
the following report was made to Presbytery: 


The session of the Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, reports 
to the Wabash Presbytery that there has been an increasing feeling 
on the subject of salvation manifested since the month of June last, 
among those who worship with us, which became more evident in 
the month of October last and still more so during the present 
month; that since the lst of July 32 members have been received 
into the church of which 26 were on examination; and that a deep 
interest appears to be felt by the children and youth and particu- 
larly the children who attend the Sabbath school taught in our 
place of worship, 4 of whom were this day admitted to church 
membership, and more are indulging a hope that they have passed 
from death unto life. On the 17th inst., the session appointed a 
committee to seek for a suitable person to educate for the ministry 
and this day 6 boys from 15 (?) years old and upwards presented 
themselves before the session to ask admission to the church, and al- 
though the cases of three were deferred, still the session indulges 
favorable hopes of all and thinks it not improbable that the greater 
part may be prepared for, or the whole devoted hereafter to the 
ministry of the gospel. Subjoined is our annual report from the 
Ist of April, 1828, to 24th of March, 1829. 


372 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Communicants Dismissed 
er Since Received Withdrew j 
Last Rep. On Exam. On Certif. Died Removed Suspended 
50 26 6 0 8 g 
1 Baptisms 
in Communion Adults Infants Missionary Funds Current Funds 
73 7 9.5 5.81 


Session closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


April 4, 1829. 
Session met. Constituted with prayer when John Porter and 
Amos Sharpe were received to membership. Closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 
April 11, 1829. 
Session met; present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, E. Sharpe and C. 
Seudder; constituted with prayer when Robena Sharpe, Joseph 
Parr, Catherine Phillips and Jane Parr were admitted to mem- 
bership. 


June 16, 1829. 
Session met; present, J. R. Moreland, E. Sharpe, J. G. Brown, 
C. Scudder and Isaac Coe; constituted with prayer when Andrew 
Ingram, Wm. McAdoo, Nancy Brown, Margaret Brown, and 
William Eaglesfield were admitted to membership, and meeting 
closed with prayer. | ; 7 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


June 20, 1829. 

Session met, present as before, constituted with prayer when 
Letty Combs, Catherine Noble, James Brown and his wife were 
admitted on examination and John Vandeman and Jane his wife, 
Margaret Morrison, James Morrison and Jane his wife and 
widow | Brown were admitted on certificate and Leah Ann 
Parr and Smallwood Noel were admitted to membership. Closed 
with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 





Note this day is exactly one year, June 22nd, since the dissclu- 
tion of the pastoral relation between this church and the Rey. 
George Bush, since which time, notwithstanding all our difficul- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 373 


ties and the opposition we have met, our church has been remark- 
ably blessed of God and instead of being broken up now consists of 
100 members, 60 of whom have been received the past year. 

| Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


October 4, 1829. 
Session met, present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, HE. Sharpe, and Isaac 
Coe, constituted with prayer when Simon Yandes was received 


to membership on examination. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


The committee appointed to review the records of the church of 
Indianapolis report that on examination they find said records to 
be correctly kept. October 9, 1829. 

John R. Moreland, Moderator Pres. 





October 1829. 


Session met, opened with prayer. Present, J. G. Brown, E. 
Sharpe, C. Scudder and Isaae Coe, when on application Benjamin 
McClure and Nancy his wife were received on certificate from 
the church of Rocky Spring. Closed with prayer. 

Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 26, 1830. 


Session met in the school room; present, Rev. John R. More- 
land, moderator, Ebenezer Sharpe, John G. Brown, Caleb Scudder 
and Isaac Coe, when John Blake and Ruth Blake, his wife, Jane 
More and Robert Duncan were on examination admitted to mem- 
bership in the church and Thomas McClintock and Rebecca his 
wife and William McClintock, their son, and Doctor John E. Mc- 
Clure and Martha his wife and Mrs. Rachel Moreland wife of the 
Rev. John R. Moreland and John Stagg, Nancy Moreland and 
Mary Ann Moreland, her children, and Edward McGuire and Eliz- 
abeth McGuire his wife were admitted to church membership on 
certificate. Adjourned. Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


374 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


March 28, 1830. 
Session met. Present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, E. Sharpe, C. 
Scudder and Isaac Coe; constituted with prayer when Robert 
Wingate was received on certificate and Mrs. Margaret Blythe on 
examination. Closed with prayer. Adjourned. Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


SESSIONAL REPORT FOR 1828-1829 AND FOR 1829-1830 
TO 29th MARCH, 1830 


Communicants . Since 


From Apr. 1, Per Received Received Dismissed 

1828 to Last Rep. on Exam. on Certif. Died Removed 
March 24, 1829.... 50 26 6 0 8 
To March, 1830.... 73 24 20 2 20 
For 2 Years.......... 50 50 26 2 28 
From Apr. 1, Sus- Total in Missionary Common 
1828, to pended Communion Baptisms Funds Funds 
March 24, 1820 1 13 7- 6 19:53 5.81. 
To March, 1830...... OP 95 4-18 25.96 7.87 
HOM 2 CATS.5... 50510. 1 95 11-24 45.49 13.68 


The report for two years is inserted because the Ist was never 
sent up to General Assembly. 


July 30, 1830. 
Session met. Present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, E. Sharpe, Caleb 
Scudder and Isaae Coe. Constituted with prayer, when Ann Duke 
was admitted on examination; closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


August 3, 1830. 
Session met at meeting house. Present as before; constituted 
with prayer when Mary Walpole was admitted on examination and 
Jos. Clinton and Elizabeth his wife on certificate. Closed with 
prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


October 15, 1830. 
Session met, present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, E. Sharpe and I. 
Coe. Constituted with prayer when certificates of dismissal were 
given to Isabella Merrill, late Isabella Sharpe, to join the church of 
Coal Creek; to Alma C. Sickels, late Alma C. Coe, to join the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH B15 


church of Rushville; and certificate of membership to Rebecca 
Coe,* absent. Isaae Coe, Clerk. 


October 17, 1830. 

At a meeting of the Indianapolis church for choosing one or 
more ruling elders, pursuant to public notice this morning from 
the pulpit after sermon, the Rev. John R. Moreland, pastor, pre- 
siding and James Morrison, secretary on motion, Resolved, 

I. That this church will proceed to the election of one or more 
elders. 

If. That two elders be elected. 

III. That all members of the church in full communion, of 
whatever age, be allowed to vote; when the church proceeded to 
elect in its usual manner by ballot two additional elders and on 
counting the ballots James Blake and James M. Ray were found to 
be duly elected—and immediately James M. Ray was ordained to 
the office of ruling elder, James Blake being absent. 


October 17, 1830. 
Collection raised to defray part of the expenses of a commis- 
sioner to General Assembly last spring. $5.02 amount. 


March 23rd, 1831. 
Session met; present, Rev. John R. Moreland, Ebenezer Sharpe, 
Caleb Scudder, James M. Ray and Isaac Coe. Meeting constituted 
with prayer, when it appearing to session that charges of unchris- 
tian deportment and immoral character are made by common fame 
against Mrs. and , two members of this church, 
and that the character of the charges and the credence they 
have obtained are such that it will not be for the peace and edifi- 
cation of the church that they be permitted to unite with the 
church in the communion of the Lord’s supper until these charges 
shall be investigated. Therefore, Resolved: 
I. That the members aforesaid be debarred from the communion 
of the Lord’s Supper until said charges are investigated. 
II. That Ebenezer Sharpe and Isaae Coe be a committee to 














*Mrs. Rebecca Coe, wife of Dr. Isaac Coe. See note page 406. 


376 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


inquire into the evidence of the truth of said charges and report to 
the next meeting of session. 
Adjourned to meet at the house of Dr. Coe on Saturday morn- 


ing next at 8 o’clock. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 26, 1831. 
Session met. Present, Rev. J. R. Moreland, moderator, Eben- 
ezer Sharpe and Isaac Coe; constituted by prayer, when the com- 
mittee appointed for that purpose reported that they have 
attended to the duty assigned them but have not yet been able to 
find sufficient evidence to support the charges against the mem- 
bers named, but that sources of information have been intimated 
to them which they have not yet had time to investigate. Where- 
upon session, to give further time, adjourned until Tuesday next at 

8 A. M. at this place and closed with prayer. 
Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


March 29, 1831. 

Session met according to adjournment. Present, Rev. John R. 
Moreland, moderator, Ebenezer Sharpe, Caleb Scudder and Isaac 
Coe. Session constituted with prayer. The committee appointed 
to make inquiry into the probable truth of several charges in gir- 
culation against —— and Mrs. report that there is 
probable ground that they will be supported by evidence; where- 
upon, resolved, that —— be cited to appear before the ses- 
sion on the 12th of April next at the house of the Rev. John R. 
Moreland to answer to charges of falsehood and unchaste conduct, 
and that Mrs. be cited to attend at the same place and 
time to answer to charges of long continued absence from the stated 
public worship of the church and of unchristian and immoral 
language and conduct, the charges against both resting on com- 
mon fame. 

Adjourned to meet at the house of Rev. John R. Moreland on 
Tuesday the 12th of April next at 8 o’clock A. M. Session con- 
cluded with prayer. 

















Isaac Coe, Clerk. 


CHAPTER X 


A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH* 
IN THE 
STATE OF INDIANA 
By Rev. Jonun M. Dickry 
Madison, Printed by C. P. J. Arion. 
[The following copy of the historical paper (now out of print) presented 
to the Synod of Indiana March 10, 1828, by ‘‘ Father Dickey,’’ is included in 
this Memorial Volume as furnishing a record of the pioneer Presbyterian 


churches of the state, including the account of the organization on July 5, 
1823, of the First Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis. | 


ADVERTISEMENT 

The following brief history of the Presbyterian Church, in the 
state of Indiana, is designed to encourage the hearts, and strength- 
en the hands of Christians in our land. The hope is entertained 
that, when they see what the Lord has done for us in building up 
His Zion, they will take courage and press forward in the work of 
the Lord; and feel that gratitude to the Great Head of the Church 
which becomes those who are so highly favored. 

This history was prepared originally, by a committee appointed 
by the Salem Presbytery, in April 1825, when that Presbytery 
embraced nearly all that part of the state now included in the 
bounds of the Synod of Indiana. But, before the history was com- 
pleted, the Presbytery was divided, and the Synod of Indiana 
formed. A committee was therefore appointed by the Synod, at its 
meeting in October 1827, to superintend the publication of said 
history. The committee have attended to the duties assigned them, 
and now present to the church the following: 

Madison, March 10th, 1828. 


A BRIEF HISTORY, &c. 


The first Presbyterian (and it is believed the first Protestant) 
church constituted in what is now the state of Indiana, is located 
in the region of Vincennes, in Knox county. This church was con- 


*See note page 405. 
317 


378 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


stituted by the Rev. Samuel B. Robinson, in the year 1806, and 
styled ‘‘the church of Indiana,’’ which name it still retains. It 
has enjoyed, for many years, the ministerial labors of the Rey. 
Samuel T. Scott; although the pastoral relation, between Mr. 
Scott and the congregation, was not formed until the 6th of August, 
1825. At that time he was regularly installed pastor of the 
church by the Salem Presbytery. It consists at present of 118 
members.* It has recently been rendered vacant by the death 
of its pastor. 

Charlestown church, in Clark county, was constituted by the 
Rev. Joseph B. Lapsley, in September, 1812. The number of 
members not known. In the vicinity of this place, a church de- 
nominated Palmyra, had been constituted in 1807, by the Rev. 
James Vance, with about twelve or fifteen members, but had be- 
come almost extinct. The few members remaining were embodied 
in the Charlestown church. This church was for several years 
supplied by the Rev. John Todd, and for two years by the Rev. 
John T. Hamilton. It consists, at present, of sixty-eight members. 

Washington church, in Daviess** county, was constituted in 
August, 1814, by the Rev. Samuel T. Scott, with about seventeen 
members. The year following the Rev. John M. Dickey settled 
within the bounds of the congregation, and labored with them four 
years as a stated supply. Since that time they have remained 
vacant. There were added to this church, during the year ending 
October, 1825, thirty or forty members, the fruits of an encourag- 
ing work of grace among them. The number is now eighty-six. 

Madison church, in Jefferson county, was constituted by the 
Rev. William Robinson, in 1815, with about fifteen or twenty 
members. Mr. Robinson continued to discharge the duties of a 
pastor in this church until August, 1819, when he was succeeded 
by the Rev. Thomas C. Searle, who was, the following year, in- 
stalled pastor of the united congregations of Madison and Han- 
over. Mr. Searle’s useful labors were however of short duration. 
On the 15th of October 1821 he was called to give an account of 

*What is here given as the present number of members of this church, 
and of most of the churches hereafter noticed, was taken from the Pres- 


byterian reports made October, 1827. 
**Spelled Davies in original manuscript. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 379 


his stewardship to his Divine Master. The church continued va- 
eant until June 1824; when Mr. Joseph Trimble commenced 
preaching to them on probation. Mr. Trimble’s labors were very 
acceptable, and an unanimous call was soon prepared for him; but 
in the holy, though mysterious, Providence of God, he was removed 
to the Chureh Triumphant, on the very day appointed for his 
ordination in the church at Madison, Aug. 11th, 1824. The church 
afterwards enjoyed occasional supplies until Mr. James H. John- 
ston was ordained and installed pastor, on the 20th of October 
1825. The present number of members is 79. 

Livonia church, Washington county, was constituted by the 
Rev. Samuel Shannon, in February 1816, with 18 members. This 
church continued vacant until 1818 when the Rev. William W. 
Martin settled among them. Mr. Martin was installed their pastor 
in April 1821, devoting to them one half of his ministerial labors. 
The church now consists of 119 members. 

Salem church, Washington county, was organized in 1816, by 
the Rev. Samuel Shannon. The number of members at the time of 
its organization cannot now be ascertained; in August 1817 how- 
ever, it consisted of 27 members. Mr. Martin, from the time of 
his settlement in Washington county, bestowed upon this church 
part of his labors, and, in April 1824, he was installed their pastor. 
The church now consists of 95 members. 

Blue River church, Washington county, was constituted by the 
Rev. James McGready, February 6th, 1816, with 7 members. With 
the exception of three years, 1818, 1819, and 1820, during which 
Mr. Martin supplied them, every third sabbath, they continued 
destitute until January 1825. At that time Mr. Tilly H. Brown 
settled within the bounds of the united congregations of Blue 
River and Bethlehem*; and on the 25th of June following he was 
ordained and installed pastor of said congregations. He removed 
from them in January 1826. The present number of members is 
22. 

Pisgah church, Clark county, was constituted February 27th, 
1816, by the Rev. James McGready, with 15 members. It remained 
vacant until the year 1819, when the Rev. John M. Dickey was in- 


*Bethleham in original. 


380 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


vited to settle within the bounds of the united congregations, of 
Pisgah and New Lexington. In August of the same year, Mr. 
Dickey was installed pastor of said congregations, which was the 
first installation that took place in the state. This church now 
consists of 53 members. 

Graham church, Jennings county, was constituted by the Rev. 
Nathan B. Derrow, in December, 1817, with 17 members. They 
were supplied, every third Sabbath for two years, by Mr. Dickey, 
and every fourth Sabbath for one year, by Mr. Crowe*; and during 
the year past they have enjoyed a part of the labors of Mr. James 
Crawford. The balance of the time they have been destitute. The 
church consists at present of 38 members. 

New Albany church, Floyd county, was constituted by the Rev. 
James McGready,** with 10 members, some of whom resided in 
Jeffersonville. During the first year most of the members residing 
in Jeffersonville removed, and the balance were dismissed on the 
7th of December, 1817, and the church permanently located at New 
Albany. This church, for a short time, enjoyed part of the labors 
of the Rey. Daniel C. Banks. In 1818 the Rev. Isaac Reed settled 
among them, and labored one year. From that time they remained 
destitute with the exception of a few months during which 
they were supplied by the Rev. Ezra H. Day, until sometime in 
1825, when they secured one half of the ministerial labors of the 
Rev. John T. Hamilton. Their present number is 34. 

Hopewell church, in Sullivan county, was constituted in 1817, 
by the Rev. James Balch. The number with which it was consti- 
tuted has not been ascertained. It now consists of 46 members. 

Jefferson church, in Jefferson county, was constituted Octo- 
ber 17th, 1818, by the Rev. Orin Fowler, with 14 members. They 
remained destitute until March 1824. From that time they were 
supplied one sabbath in each month for two years by the Rev. 
John F’. Crowe. They are now under the pastoral care of the Rev. 
Samuel Gregg. Their present number is 76. 

New Lexington church, Scott county, was constituted by the 
Rey. Orin Fowler, October 25th, 1818, with 20 members. It con- 


*Spelled Crow in original. **M’Gready in original. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 381 


tinued vacant until the settlement of Mr. Dickey in 1819. The 
church now consists of 49 members. 

Corydon church, Harrison county, was constituted, January 
2d, 1819, by the Rev. John Finley Crowe. It consisted of 7 mem- 
bers at the time of its organization, and remained destitute until 
the year 1824. Since that time this church has engaged the labors 
of the Rev. Alexander Williamson. The present number of mem- 
bers is 52. 

Carlisle church, in Sullivan county, was constituted by the 
Rev. Orin Fowler, January 31st, 1819, with nine members. In 
October 1825 it consisted of 33 members. 

Bloomington church, Monroe county, was constituted by the 
Rev. Isaac Reed, September 26th, 1819, with 12 members. Near 
the close of the year 1824 Mr. Baynard R. Hall settled at Bloom- 
ington, and on the 18th of April following was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of the church. The pastoral relation has however 
since been dissolved. This was done by the Wabash Presbytery, 
at the request of Mr. Hall, in October 1827. The church now con- 
sists of 84 members. 

Hanover church, in Jefferson county, was constituted by the 
Rev. Thomas C. Searle, March 4th, 1820, with 23 members, who 
had previously belonged to the church of Madison. After the 
death of Mr. Searle, in 1821, they continued destitute until the set- 
tlement of Mr. Crowe, in 1823. The present number of members 
is 77. 

Bethany church, Owen county, was constituted by the Rev. 
John M. Dickey, March 20th, 1820, with 7 members. In Dec. 1822 
Rev. Isaac Reed settled in this congregation, and was installed pas- 
tor of the church the following year. But at the close of the year 
1825, the pastoral relation was dissolved, at the request of Mr. 
Reed. The church at that time consisted of 39 members; its pres- 
ent number is not known. | 

Franklin church, Washington county, was constituted by the 
Rey. William W. Martin, with 28 members. These persons had 
previously belonged to Salem church. They were supplied one 
Sabbath in the month by Mr. Martin, previous to his installation 
as pastor of Salem church. Their present number is 33. 


382 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Orleans church, in Orange county, was constituted by the Rev. 
William W. Martin, October 2d, 1820, with 16 members. It now 
consists of 22. 


Dartmouth church, in Jennings and Ripley counties, was con- 
stituted by the Rev. Thomas C. Searle, August 17th, 1821, with 
seventeen members. The present number is sixteen. 


Palestine church, in Lawrence county, was constituted by the 
Rev. William W. Martin, in July 1822, with 24 members. It now 
consists of thirty-one. 


Shiloh church, Park county, was constituted by the Rev. 
Charles C. Beaty, December 17th, 1822, with seventeen members. 
It now consists of 60. 


Union church, Vigo county, was constituted by the Rev. Charles 
C. Beaty, January 8th, 1823, with nine members. In 1825 it con- 
sisted of nineteen. 


Ebenezer church, Park county, was constituted by Mr. Beaty, 
January 9th, 1823, with nineteen members. In October 1825, it 
consisted of twenty-six. This church in conjunction with Shiloh 
would be able to support a pastor. 


Indianapolis church was constituted, July 5th, 1823, by 
Messrs. Isaac Reed and David C. Proctor, with fifteen members. 
Mr. Proctor continued to labor three-fourths of his time in this 
church for one year, and was succeeded by Mr. George Bush. On 
the 5th of March 1825, Mr. Bush was ordained and installed pastor 
of the church. It now consists of about 50 members; the exact 
number not known. 

Sand Creek church, Decatur county, was constituted by the 
Rev. John R. Moreland, in December 1823. At the first commun- 
ion in this church, September 5th, 1824, 47 members were recog- 
nized as belonging to it. This church remained vacant until the 
beginning of the year 1826; when the Rev. Samuel G. Lowry 
settled among them. On the 7th of November of the same year 
Mr. Lowry was installed their pastor. Their number at present is 
63. 

Nazareth church, in Daviess and Dubois counties, was consti- 
tuted by the Rev. John M. Dickey, February 8th, 1824, with 17 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 383 


members. It now consists of 32. This congregation and Washing- 
ton propose uniting together in the support of a pastor. 

Bethlehem church, in Washington county, was constituted by 
the Rev. Isaac Reed, April 10th, 1824, from a section of Blue 
River church. The number of members at the time of its organi- 
zation was fourteen. In a short time the church increased to 28, 
but by removals it is now reduced to fourteen. 

Crawfordsville church, Montgomery county, was constituted 
by the Rev. Isaac Reed, in June 1824, with seven members. Its 
present number is not known. 

Columbus church, Bartholomew county, was constituted by the 
Rev. John M. Dickey, July 3d, 1824, with seventeen members. The 
present number is seventeen. 

New Providence church, Shelby county, was constituted by the 
same, July 7th, 1824, with thirteen members. It now consists of 
fifteen. | 

Franklin church, Johnson* county, was constituted by the 
same, November 30th, 1824, with six members. Its present num- 
ber is not known. 


Rushville church, Rush county, was constituted by the Rev. 
John F. Crowe, January 22d, 1825, with 25 members. There 
have been some additions to this church, and some deaths. Their 
present number is 40. 


Vernon church, Jennings county, was constituted by the same, 
May 10th, 1825, with thirteen members, the most of whom had 
previously belonged to Dartmouth and Graham churches. This 
church enjoyed a part of the labors of Mr. Crowe for two years, 
and during the past year, a part of the labors of Mr. Crawford. 
Their present number is 28. 

White River church, Green county, was constituted by the Rev. 
Isaac Reed, July 30th, 1825, with six members. It new consists of 
thirteen. 

Greencastle church, Putnam county, was constituted by the 
same, August 21st, 1825, with ten members. No subsequent re- 
port. 


*Johnston in original. 


384 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Paoli church, Orange county, was constituted by the Rev. 
William W. Martin, September 10th, 1825, with fourteen mem- 
bers, who had previously belonged to Livonia and Orleans 
churches. Its present number is 21. 

Olive Ridge church, Rush county, was constituted by the 
Rev. John M. Dickey, November 25th, 1825, with six members. It 
consists at present of fourteen. 

Greenfield church, Johnson county, was constituted by the 
Rev. Isaac Reed, Dec. 31st, 1825, with 9 members. 

Greensburg church, was constituted from a section of Sand 
Creek church, by the Rev. Samuel G. Lowry, on the 12th of May, 
1826, with twelve members. From the time of its organization 
this church has enjoyed a part of Mr. Lowry’s labors. It consists 
at present of 20 members. 

Vermillion church was constituted by the Rev. Isaac Reed, 
October 1826, with fifteen members. 

Mill Creek church, Decatur county, was constituted by the 
Rev. Samuel G. Lowry, on the 30th day of August, 1827, with 
seven members. 

Evansville church was constituted several years ago by the 
Rev. Daniel C. Banks, with 9 members. In October 1824, it was 
attached to the Mulenburgh Presbytery, but in May, 1827, the 
General Assembly made the Ohio river the line between the synods 
of Kentucky and Indiana, and that church is now within the 
bounds of Salem Presbytery. The present number of members is 
not known. 

Besides the churches above mentioned, there are in the eastern 
section of the state several churches, probably 8 or 9 under the 
eare of the Presbyteries of Cincinnati and Miami. The whole 
number of Presbyterian churches in the state of Indiana may 
therefore be estimated at something more than fifty. 

The following churches, situated in the eastern part of the 
state of [llnois, belong to Wabash Presbytery, viz: 

Newhope, partly in Vigo county, Indiana, and partly in Clark 
county, Illinois, was constituted by the Rev. James Balch. The 
date of its organization is not known. The number of members in 
October, 1825, was 72. Of this number 62 were added during the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 385 


preceding year, as the fruits of a precious time of refreshing from 
the presence of the Lord. 

Wabash church, located in the county of the same name, was 
constituted by the Rev. David C. Proctor, March 1822, with 5 
members. It now consists of eighteen members, and is supplied 
by the Rev. Stephen Bliss. 

Paris church, Edgar county, was constituted by the Rev. Isaac 
Reed, November 6th, 1824, with twelve members. In October 
1825, it consisted of 43. This church also shared largely in the 
revival noticed above. 

Sharon church was constituted by the Rev. James McGready, 
about ten or twelve years ago. It consists at present of 42 mem- 
bers. 

Goleonda church consists of 30 members at present. 

Shawneetown church consists of ten members; Bethel of seven- 
teen; and Hopewell of ten. These five churches last named, were 
within the bounds of Mulenburgh Presbytery until the alteration 
of the division line between the two Synods. 


The means by which, under God, these churches have been 
planted and watered 


It will doubtless be interesting to many of our readers to learn 
by what means this rapid multiplication of churches, and in- 
erease of members have been effected, in a region of country so 
recently the abode of ‘‘savage beasts and more savage men.”’ 

In the years 1804, 5 and 6, short missionary excursions were 
made in the vicinity of Vincennes, by the Rev. Messrs. Samuel 
Rannels, Samuel B. Robinson, James McGready and Thomas Cle- 
land, members of the Transylvania Presbytery, Ky. The imme- 
diate fruits of those labors were the gathering and organization, 
as has been noticed, of the first Presbyterian church in Indiana, 
which was consequently called after the name of the territory. 

In the year 1807, Mr. Samuel T. Scott, then a licentiate under 
the care of the West Lexington Presbytery, came to Vincennes, 
at which place he continued one or two years. He then returned to 
Kentucky, but after an absence of a year or two, he again visited 
Vincennes, and took up his permanent abode there. He contin- 


386 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ued to discharge the duties of pastor in the church of Indiana, and 
to perform, from time to time, much missionary labor in ‘‘all the 
region round about,’’ until the 30th of December, 1827, when he 
was called from his labors on earth and admitted, as we confi- 
dently hope, to his rest above. 

About the time of Mr. Scott’s settlement at Vincennes, short 
excursions were made by Kentucky ministers into Clark county. 
What the effect of those labors was it cannot now be ascertained, 
further than the organization of the church of Palmyra already 
noticed. 

In the winter of 1810, and 11, and also in 1815 and 16, the Rev. 
James McGready, then a member of Mulenburgh Presbytery, Ken- 
tucky, spent considerable time in the southern counties of Indi- 
ana, and his labors appear manifestly to have been blessed, in or- 
ganizing and building up the little churches in that region. 

In December 1814, the Rev. William Robinson, from the Miami 
Presbytery, Ohio, settled at Madison, in which place and vicinity 
he continued to labor for nearly five years. During this period 
Mr. Robinson was instrumental in collecting a respectable congre- 
gation at Madison. From that place he removed, in 1819, to Beth- 
lehem. From the time of his removal, bodily indisposition de- 
prived the church almost entirely of his labors, and finally ter- 
minated his life on the 28th of March 1827. 

In May 1815, the Rev. John M. Dickey, then a licentiate under 
the care of the Mulenburgh Presbytery, came to the Forks of 
White River, now Daviess county, where he continued four years; 
laboring a part of his time statedly in the Washington church, and 
employing the balance in preaching through the destitute settle- 
ments in that region. Mr. Dickey then received a call from the 
United congregations of New Lexington and Pisgah, for two-thirds 
of his time. This call. was accepted, and the pastoral relation 
formed, as previously noticed. The balance of his time Mr. Dickey 
has principally devoted to missionary labors in various parts of the 
state. 

In the year 1816, the Rev. Martin B. Derrow, from the Con- 
necticut Missionary Society, came to the state of Indiana and spent 
two or three years under the direction of that society. He travelled 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3m 


extensively through the state, and besides the church of Graham, 
which we have already noticed, he constituted a church at Browns- 
town, Jackson county, which has since, by deaths and removals, be- 
come extinct. About the same time the Rev. Samuel Shannon of 
Louisville Presbytery, Ky., spent considerable time in different 
parts of the state. 

In July 1817, the Rev. Clement Hickman, from the Presbytery 
of Geneva, N. Y. settled with his family at Princeton, where a 
small church had been previously formed by Mr. McGready. 
Death, however, in a few months removed Mr. Hickman from the 
scene of his labors, and the church, being thus deprived of stated 
preaching, and losing some of its principal members by removal, 
has ceased to exist. But there is a prospect that a church will soon 
be formed in this place again. 

About the time Mr. Hickman came to Princeton, the Rev. 
James Balch, from the Mulenburgh Presbytery, settled in Sullivan 
county, where he formed the church of Hopewell. Mr. Balch was 
advanced in life, but labored, as health and strength would per- 
mit, in this church and in parts adjacent, until death closed his 
labors, January 12, 1821. 


In 1817, the Rev. William Dickey, from the Mulenburgh Pres- 
bytery, spent a month or two on a mission to the destitute within 
the state. 3 


In October of the same year, the Rev. John Todd commenced 
his labors as a stated supply to the Charlestown church, and he 
continued to supply that church until September, 1824. He was 
succeeded, as has already been mentioned, by Mr. Hamilton from 
the Mulenburgh presbytery. , cA) 


In May 1818, the Rev. William W. Martin, from the West 
Lexington Presbytery, came to the state and took charge of the 
congregations of Livonia, Salem and Blue River. Mr. Martin 
continued to devote an equal share of his labors to each of those 
churches until his installation at Livonia, April, 1821, at which 
time he dropped the Blue River church and confined his labors 
principally to the two churches of Livonia and Salem. He has 
moreover every year, since his settlement in the state, been in the 


358 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


habit of making frequent excursions, not only in his own neighbor- 
hood, but also in distant parts of the state. 

Sometime in the year 1818, the Rev. Isaac Reed, from the 
Transylvania Presbytery, came to New Albany. He labored one 
year in the little church in that place, and then returned again to 
Kentucky. | 

In the years 1818 and 1819, the Rev. Orin Fowler spent a year 
under the direction of the Connecticut Missionary Society. He 
visited most of the destitute congregations in the state, and organ- 
ized several new churches. Mr. Fowler was a very devoted and ac- 
ceptable missionary, and his memory is cherished with great affec- 
tion by multitudes who were favored with his ministrations. i 

In July 1819, the Rev. Thomas C. Searle, previously professor 
of divinity in Dartmouth College, came to Madison. Mr. Searle 
was a man of superior talents, of polished manners, and of a most 
affectionate disposition. And, what was perhaps of more impor- 
tance to the infant church of Indiana, he was a very zealous, popu- 
lar and successful minister of the New Testament. His installation 
and lamented death have been already noticed. 

Late in the autumn of 1821, the Rev. David C. Proctor came 
to the state, under the direction of the Connecticut Missionary 
Society. After visiting and occasionally supplying many of our 
vacancies, Mr. Proctor located himself for one year, at Indian- 
apolis, giving at the same time, one-fourth of his labors to Bloom- 
ington church. Shortly after the close of this term he left the 
state. 

In the year 1822, the Rev. Ezra H. Day, from the state of New 
York, settled at New Albany, where he continued as a stated sup- 
ply until his death, which occurred September 22, 1823. Mr. Day 
was with us ‘‘a stranger in a strange land,’’ but his modest, unas- 
suming manners, his sound judgment, and apparent piety, en- 
deared him to the few friends who were favored with his acquaint- 
ance. 

In December 1822, the Rev. Isaac Reed returned to the state 
and settled in Bethany church, as has been stated. As this church 
was not able, at any period of Mr. Reed’s connection with it, to 
secure more than one half of his ministerial labors, he spent the 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 389 


balance of his time in extensive missionary operations, chiefly un- 
der the patronage of the Connecticut Missionary Society, until 
the spring of 1827, when he returned to the state of New York. 

In April 1823, the Rev. John Finley Crowe. from Louisville 
Presbytery, was called to Hanover church, and in the August fol- 
lowing was installed pastor. Mr. Crowe devotes only three fourths 
of his time to his congregation: the remainder has been devoted to 
missionary labors, principally under the patronage of the Con- 
necticut Missionary Society. 

The Rev. Charles C. Beaty, a missionary under the patronage 
of the General Assembly, spent the winter of 1822 and 1823 in the 
western part of the state. Mr. Beaty was a devoted and acceptable 
missionary, and was instrumental in collecting together and or: 
ganizing several churches. 

In 1823 and 4, Mr. Joseph Trimble, a licentiate under the pat- 
ronage of the General Assembly, spent six months as a missionary. 
He travelled extensively and labored in many places with appar- 
ent success. Mr. Trimble’s talents, piety, zeal and engaging man- 
ners seemed to qualify him for extensive usefulness.. But in the 
holy providence of God, he was, as has been noticed, shortly after 
the close of his mission, removed from the scene of his labors to that 
‘‘better country’’ for which he seemed while here so ardently to 
pant. 

In the summer of 1824, Messrs. George Bush, Baynard R. Hall 
and Alexander Williamson, all from the Theological Seminary of 
Princeton, came to the state. Mr. Bush, a licentiate under the care 
of New Brunswick Presbytery, settled at Indianapolis. Mr. Hall, 
a licentiate from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, took charge of 
the State Seminary at Bloomington and of the church in that 
place. Mr. Williamson has continued to supply the church at 
Corydon, and besides performing a missionary tour under the 
patronage of the Indiana Missionary Society. 

Mr. Samuel Taylor, also a licentiate under the patronage of 
the General Assembly, spent six months, in 1824 and 5, as a mis- 
sionary in the Western part of the state. 

At the same time Mr. James H. Johnston, under the patronage 
of the Domestic Missionary Society of N. York, travelled exten- 


390 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


sively through the interior and eastern part of the state, and fi- 
nally located himself at Madison, as has been already mentioned. 
Mr. John Young, a licentiate under the care of the General Assem- 
bly, came to the state in company with Mr. Johnston, spent two 
months as a stated supply at Madison, & then passed through the 
interior of the state to the Wabash. He continued to labor till the 
close of his mission, with great zeal and much apparent success, in 
that region, principally on the Illinois side. When his mission 
was closed, Mr. Young attended the annual meeting of the Indiana 
Missionary Society at Vincennes and was attacked, during the 
meeting, with a violent fever which terminated his valuable labors 
and temporal existence on the 15th day of August 1825. He was a 
young man of ardent piety, amiable disposition, agreeable man- 
ners, and most unwearied zeal in the cause of his Divine Master. 
His death was a loss which continues to be lamented, by a numer- 
ous circle of friends who had profited under his ministry. 

In the autumn of 1825, Messrs. James Stewart, Samuel Gregg 
and Lewis McLoed, from the Princeton Seminary, visited the state. 
The two first named were under the patronage of the General As- 
sembly, the last, of the Domestic Missionary Society of New York. 
Mr. Stewart spent the first part of his mission of six months at 
Rushville, the last part in the South West section of the state. 
Mr. Gregg devoted his time, which was the term of five months, to 
the counties of Bartholomew, Shelby and Johnston, and then 
settled in Jefferson Church. Mr. McLoed after travelling ex- 
tensively in the state finally located himself at Augusta, Ky. 

The Rev. Truman Perrin, from one of the congregational asso- 
ciations in Vermont, came to the state in the summer of 1826, and 
took charge of the seminary in Vincennes, and although he is not 
united with any of the Presbyteries, he performs considerable 
labor in the vacancies around him. 

In the latter part of the year 1826, Mr. James Crawford, hav- 
ing completed his theological studies at the Princeton Seminary, 
returned to the state under the patronage of the American Home 
Missionary Society, and labored for one year in the churches of 
Graham, Vernon and Dartmouth. 

Mr. Samuel EH. Blackburn, a licentiate from the Louisville 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 391 


Presbytery, made a temporary location at Jeffersonville, and was 
ordained by Salem Presbytery December first 1826. 

During the year 1827 Messrs. Calvin Butler and Leander 
Cobb, from the Andover seminary, and Mr. William Lowry, from 
Princeton seminary, came to the state; all of them under the direc- 
tion of the American Home Missionary Society. Mr. Butler is 
laboring at present at Princeton, and Mr. Cobb at Charlestown. Mr. 
Lowry preached, for three or four months, with great acceptance 
and with very flattering prospects of usefulness, in Rush & 
Johnston counties and the region adjacent. His useful labors how- 
ever were by a mysterious dispensation of Providence, soon ter- 
minated. In attempting to cross the Driftwood, the East Fork of 
White river, in a canoe, at Fishley’s mill, he was drowned on the 
lith of February, 1828. 


In the latter part of 1827, Mr. James Thompson, from the 
Cincinnati Presbytery, located himself at Crawfordsville, and the 
Rey. David Monfort* at Terre Haute. 


Besides the missions already noticed, others were performed, 
by different persons, at different times, although we have not been 
able to obtain sufficient documents to justify a particular account. 
In 1815 the Rev. Daniel Gray spent some time as a missionary in 
the Southwestern part of the state, and in 1818 and 1819 Mr. 
Ravaud K. Rodgers in the Southeastern. 


Mr. Francis McFarland visited the state in 1820; Messrs. Wil- 
ham B. Barton and Adams W. Platt, in 1820‘and 21; and James 
L. Marshall in 1822 and 23. These four last named missionaries 
labored also in the South eastern part of the state. 


From this brief view it is manifest that the church of Indiana 
is deeply indebted to the Christian benevolence of distant socie- 
ties. Of these the Connecticut Missionary Society seems to have 
the first claim. Her missionaries have been found among the first 
heralds of the Cross in these western wilds, and for whole years 
together have they prosecuted their arduous labors, amid perils 
and privations innumerable. And, with a perseverance that 
never tires, is her hand stretched out still for our encouragement 


*Manfort in original. 


B92 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


and support. To the Board of missions under the General Assem- 
bly are we much indebted. Frequently has the solitary exile from 
Christian privileges been cheered by the transient visit of their 
missionary. It is to be lamented, however, that from the brevity 
of the commissions given by that body, and the extensive field of 
operations which they embrace, the good effected has been by no 
means proportionate to the time and treasure expended. Recently 
the Domestic Missionary Society of New York, which has now be- 
come the American Home Missionary Society, has extended its 
benevolent efforts even unto us. Several of its missionaries are 
already stationed within the bounds of Indiana. 


THE INDIANA MISSIONARY SOCIETY 


In order that the increasing vacancies might be better suppled 
with the means of grace, the Louisville Presbytery at its stated 
sessions in Madison, April, 1822, appointed a meeting of the 
friends of missions to be held at Livonia on the first Friday in 
August next ensuing. On the day appointed a number of per- 
sons from different congregations attended. The Indiana Mis- 
sionary Society was formed, and a constitution adopted. But lit- 
tle however, was done the first year except printing and cireu- 
lating the constitution and address of the society, and forming a 
few auxiliary associations. During the second year but ten weeks 
of missionary labors were performed under the direction of the 
society. The third year the society had in its employ six mission- 
aries resident within its bounds. During the last years the society 
has had its missionaries in various parts of the state. At the an- 
nual meeting in August, 1826, the constitution was so amended as 
to become auxiliary to the American Home Missionary Society. A 
correspondence has since been kept up with the national society, 
and the plans adopted are such as seem to promise important ad- 
vantages to the destitute churches in our state. According to an 
arrangement made between the two societies, the missionaries of 
the parent society are to be located by the direction of the stand- 
ing Committee of the Indiana Missionary Society. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 393 


THE SALEM PRESBYTERY 


Previous to October, 1823, churches in the state of Indiana, 
within the bounds of the Synod of Kentucky, were under the care 
of the Louisville Presbytery, which generally met in the fall in 
Kentucky and in the spring in Indiana. By an act of the Synod 
Oct. 1823, all that part of the state of Indiana which lies west of a 
line due north from the mouth of Kentucky river, was constituted 
into a new Presbytery denominated the Salem Presbytery, which, 
at its formation consisted of the following members, viz: Wiliam 
Robinson, John Todd, Samuel T. Scott, William W. Martin, John 
M. Dickey, John F. Crowe and Isaac Reed. In October 1824; all 
that part of the state of Illinois belonging to the Synod of Ken- 
tucky, which lies north of a line due west from the mouth of 
White river, was added to this Presbytery. At the same time that 
part of the state of Indiana, which les south and west of the fol- 
lowing lines, viz: beginning opposite the mouth of Green river, 
running due north 20 miles, thence north westwardly to the mouth 
of White river, was attached to Mulenburgh Presbytery. 


The Salem Presbytery held its first meeting at Salem, in April 
1824. All the ministers belonging to the presbytery were present, 
except one who was prevented by age and infirmity. 

The second stated meeting was held at Charlestown, in October 
of the same year, at which time they licensed Mr. Tilly H. Brown 
to preach the gospel. On the fourth of March 1825, Presbytery 
met at Indianapolis at the call of the moderator, and received 
under their care Mr. George Bush and Mr. Baynard R. Hall, licen- 
tiates. On the day following they ordained Mr. Bush and installed 
him pastor of the church of Indianapolis, it being the first ordina- 
tion of a Presbyterian clergyman in the state of Indiana. The 
ceremonies were performed in the state Capitol. 

The third stated meeting was held at Washington, April 1825, 
at which time they received under their care Messrs. Stephen Bliss 
and Alexander Williamson, licentiates.—Presbytery adjourned 
from Washington on the ninth and met at Bloomington on the 
twelfth, and on the day following, ordained Mr. Baynard R. Hall, 
and installed him pastor of the church of Bloomington. This sec- 


394 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


ond ordination took place in the State Seminary. On the third day 
of June, Presbytery met at Charlestown, and, on the day following 
ordained Mr. Alexander Williamson to the work of an evangelist. 
On the 24th of the same month, Presbytery met in the Bethlehem 
church, and, on the next day, ordained Mr. Tilly H. Brown, and 
installed him pastor of the united congregations of Blue River and 
Bethlehem. Presbytery again met at Vincennes on the 4th of 
August, and on the 6th ordained Mr. Stephen Bliss to the work of 
an evangelist; and installed Mr. Scott pastor of Indiana church. 

The Salem Presbytery held its fourth stated meeting in Pisgah 
ehurch on the 7th, 8th, and 10th days of October, 1825. At this 
meeting they received the Rev. John T. Hamilton, and also James 
H. Johnston a licentiate. On the 19th of the same month they met 
at Madison, and on the day following ordained Mr. Johnston and 
installed him pastor of the church in Madison. 


MADISON AND WABASH PRESBYTERIES 


By an act of the Synod of Kentucky, October 1825, the Salem 
Presbytery was divided, and two new Presbyteries formed, viz: 
Wabash on the west and Madison on the east. The Salem Presby- 
tery after the division was effected, consisted of the following 
members, viz: John Todd, Wiliam W. Martin, John T. Hamilton, 
Alexander Williamson and Tilly H. Brown; and had under its 
care eleven congregations, viz: Charlestown, Livonia, Salem, Blue 
River, Bethlehem, Corydon, New Albany, Franklin, Orleans, Pal- 
estine, and Paoli. The Wabash Presbytery, at its formation, con- 
sisted of five members, viz: Samuel T. Scott, Isaac Reed, George 
Bush, Baynard R. Hall, and Stephen Bliss; and had under its care 
nineteen churches, viz: Indiana, Washington, Nazareth, Wabash, 
Carlisle, Hopewell, Union, Ebenezer, Shiloh, New Hope, Paris, 
Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Bethany, Bloomington, White 
River, Greencastle, Franklin and Greenfield. The Madison Pres- 
bytery, when first constituted, consisted of four ministers, viz: 
Wm. Robison, John M. Dickey, J. F. Crowe, and James H. John- 
ston, and had under its care thirteen congregations, viz: Pisgah, 
New Lexington, Hanover, Madison, Jefferson, Graham, Dart- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 395 


mouth, Vernon, Sand Creek, Columbus, New Providence, Rush- 
ville, and Olive Ridge. 

After the division of the Salem Presbytery, that Presbytery 
ordained the Rev. Sam’] E. Blackburn to the work of the ministry, 
on the Ist day of December, 1826, having previously received his 
dismission from the Louisville Presbytery, as has been noticed; and 
on the 6th of April, 1827, they dismissed the Rev. John Todd, to 
join the West Lexington Presbytery. 

The Wabash Presbytery, on the 12th of October, 1827, received 
the Rev. Benjamin F. Spilman from the Mulenburgh Presbytery, 
and on the 13th they received the Rev. William Henderson from 
the Ebenezer Presbytery. Mr. Henderson is since dead. 

The Madison Presbytery, on the 5th day of October, 1826, re- 
ceived the Rev. James Duncan from the Hartford Presbytery, and 
the Rev. Samuel G. Lowry from the Cincinnati Presbytery, & 
Mr. Samuel Gregg a licentiate from the New Brunswick Presby- 
tery. And on the 7th they ordained Mr. Gregg to the work of the 
ministry and installed him pastor of Jefferson church. 


THE SYNOD OF INDIANA 


By an act of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, 
May 29th, 1826, the Presbyteries of Missouri, Salem, Wabash and 
Madison, were constituted into a Synod, denominated the ‘‘Synod 
of Indiana.’’ This Synod met agreeably to the appointment of 
the General Assembly, in Vincennes, on Wednesday the 18th day 
of October, 1826, and continued in session until the 21st. There 
were present of the Presbytery of Missouri (which includes the 
state of Missouri and the western part of Illinois), the Rev. Salmon 
Giddings, with James McClung, ruling Elder,—of the Presbytery 
of Salem, the Rev. Tilly H. Brown, with James Young, Elder,— 
of the Presbytery of Wabash, the Rev. Samuel T. Scott, Rev. 
George Bush, Rey. Baynard R. Hall, with James Scott, John Or- 
chard, Frederick Dey Hoff, John Holme, James Carnahan, Rob- 
ert Taylor, Thomas Gold, Samuel Peery and John M’Kee, Elders, 
—of the Presbytery of Madison, Rev. John M. Dickey, Rev. John 
F’. Crowe and Rev. James H. Johnston, with Alexander Walker, 


396 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Elder. The Rev. Truman Perrin, from the convention of Ver- 
mont, was present as a corresponding member. 

The second meeting of the Synod was held at Salem, on the 
18th, 19th and 20th days of October, 1827. Fourteen ministers, 
members of the Synod, were present, and the same number of 
elders.. Much harmony prevailed in their deliberations and much 
brotherly love appeared among the members. ‘‘ How pleasant it is 
for brethren to dwell together in unity.’’ 


REMARKS 


By comparing this brief history of our Church with the growth 
of our state we find, that in 1810, when the population of Indiana 
was estimated at 24,000, we had one preacher and one church, con- 
taining about forty or fifty members. In 1815, when the popula- 
tion was 68,780, we had three preachers and four churches, con- 
taining probably eighty members in all. In 1820, when the popu- 
lation was 147,178, there were six preachers and about twenty 
churches (including the whole state) containing about six or seven 
hundred members. And in 1825, when the number of inhabitants 
was computed at 250,000, there were fifteen preachers (including 
two within the bounds of the Synod of Ohio) and about fifty 
churches in the whole state. From thirty-nine of those churches 
reports were received by Presbytery in October, 1825, presenting 
an aggregate of 1542 members, of whom 292 were added during the 
preceding year. We may therefore safely estimate the whole num- 
ber of communicants in the state at that time to have been between 
1600 and 1700. From reports of thirty-three churches in the state 
of Indiana, which were made in October, 1827, there appear to be 
1520 members in communion, in those churches, 184 of whom were 
added the preceding year. We may therefore estimate the whole 
number of communicants at present in the state of Indiana to be 
about 2,000. From reports made at the same time it appears that 
the whole number of communicants in the churches of Illinois and 
Missouri is something less than 1000. 

From the rapid emigration to our state, it might naturally be 
expected, that a considerable proportion of the additions would be 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 397 


by certificate; but upon examining the records of several churches, 
it appears that a safe estimate would be, that from one half to 
two-thirds are added on examination. 

But few of the churches have experienced any thing like spe- 
cial revivals of religion. In the years 1818 and 1819, however, the 
Lord was pleased, in a good degree, to revive His cause in the con- 
eregations of Livonia and Salem; and a considerable number, espe- 
clally of the youth, were added to the church. In 1825, the congre- 
gations of Washington, New Hope and Paris experienced times of 
refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and a number in those 
places attached themselves to the church. In 1821, there was an 
encouraging increase to the Jefferson church. Most of the churches 
have had a slow and gradual increase; and sometimes the increase 
has been more encouraging. 

With some exceptions, a considerable degree of harmony pre- 
vails in our churches, and the members are generally living at 
peace among themselves. Yet in few instances is that ardent affec- 
tion manifested which should characterize the children of the same 
Heavenly Father. Seldom, we fear, could the words used by a 
certain heathen in reference to the primitive Christians, be ap- 
plied, with propriety, to our members: ‘‘See how these Christians 
love one another.’’ 

We have to deplore moreover a spirit of conformity to the 
maxims of this world. In many, this is so apparent that it would 
be difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish them from the men of 
this world. Yet there is reason to believe that many are indeed 
devoted to God and His service,—bearing testimony by their lives 
that they have been with Jesus. 


EXTRACTS FROM RECORD OF REV. ISAAC REED* 


Nov. 28, 1821. (To Rev. Abel Flint, Secretary of the Mission- 
ary Society of Connecticut). I omit to send you the particulars of 


*Rev. Isaac Reed (who acted as Moderator at the organization of 
this church) was born at Granville, N. Y., August 27, 1787, and grew up 
at that place. He had his collegiate education at Middlebury College, 
Vermont, and was licensed to preach in 1816. His health was affected by 
weak lungs, and largely in search of health, he gave up ordinary pas- 
toral work, and came West in 1817 as a volunteer missionary. He was 


398 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


my journal, that I may have room to give you an account of Indi- 
ana as a missionary field; I think it an encouraging field, could 
it be supplied soon; it contains 140,000 inhabitants; these inhabi- 
tants are settled along the Ohio river more than three hundred 
miles, including its windings: up the Wabash river, from its 
mouth, two hundred miles; and up the west line of the Ohio State. 
one hundred and thirty or more miles: settlements are contained in 
all parts between these three boundary lnes. The north part 
of the state is not yet settled; and but lately purchased of the In- 
dians; the east part of the state from the Ohio line down the Ohio 
river, to a point directly opposite the mouth of the Kentucky 
river; and to a line running thence due north is included within 
the bounds of the Synod of Ohio. I know not how many Presby- 
terian churches there are in this district; it 1s among the oldest 
settled parts of the state; it is about forty miles wide from cast to 
west; but whatever may be the number of churches, there are but 
two Presbyterian ministers, and neither has a pastoral charge. 
From this line, proceeding westward, the whole remainder of the 
state belongs to the Synod of Kentucky; this is a tract of ahout 
one hundred miles from east to west; and many parts of it are 
thickly settled; all this territory is in the bounds of the Louisville 
Presbytery ; and in it all, there are only five Presbyterian minis- 
ters of the General Assembly; one of these is nearly superannu- 
ated; of this number, three only are settled pastors; one of these 
has one, another two, and the third three stated places for 
preaching: besides these six churches, which are thus partially 
supplied with preaching, the whole of the rest of the country is 
missionary ground; and in it there are now fourteen infant Pres- 
byterian churches; several of these have been gathered and 
planted; and all of them have been watered by missionaries; of 





received into Transylvania Presbytery and traveled widely through Ken- 
tucky, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. In 1818 he accepted a call from a con- 
gregation of fifteen members at New Albany, which had no church build- 
ing. In February 1819 he received a commission from the Missionary 
Society of Connecticut, and labored under its auspices for the next seven 
years, when he returned to the East. He wrote extensively, and in 1828 
published a little volume of correspondence and other papers, under the 
title of “The Christian Traveler,” from which the extracts here given 
are taken. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 399 


these, the missionaries from the Connecticut society, have borne 
their full share; and if the country could be well supplied with 
missionaries, who could spend a year or more among the new 
settlements, or who could be settled in them, after the plan of 
many in the Western Reserve part of Ohio, each laboring a fourth 
part or more of his time as the pastor to some church, and the rest 
of the time as a missionary, there is a fair prospect that new 
churches would be rapidly forming. I have travelled considerably 
in new settlements in other parts, besides Indiana; but I have 
never found so great numbers, who seem to be religiously inclined, 
and who are professors of some sort, as in Indiana; there are all 
the kinds, regular and irregular, orthodox and heretical of the 
older states. 

In some parts, these professors are gathered into societies, and 
have the ordinances; in other parts they are scattered here and 
there without being so gathered. You therefore see the need there 
is of missionaries, and of missionaries who are faithful men, able 
also to teach others; and these places must be supplied by mis- 
sionaries, or they must remain unsupplied; the settlers in general 
are poor; and the churches have from ten to fifty communicants, 
male and female; a few have over fifty, and numbers have not 
over twenty, and some less. These people are without money; and 
but little stock. They are opening, with their own labour, farms, 
where the land is heavily timbered; they are living in mud-walled 
log cabins. What can these people do towards settling ministers, 
who must be supported by their salaries?—-what can they do?— 
im money they can do hardly any thing; the older churches, there. 
fore, must send them missionaries, and help them to creep, till 
they can stand and go alone; or, ah me! their brethren perish 
without the gospel; and the neglect of their poor brethren will be 
upon them. 

I wish to raise for the poor inhabitants of Indiana, the Mace- 
donian cry: ‘‘Come over and help us.’’ Brethren, I tell you 
what I know; I speak of what I have seen; and the eagerness of 
those poor people, to hear the gospel and to attend upon the ap- 
pointments of your missionary; and the thankful prayers, (which 
he heard some of them offer), are still fresh in his recollection; 


400 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


end they plead with him to plead with his older brethren, the 
trustees of the Connecticut society, to send them help, as they may 
have ability. Brethren, you have here the map of the country 
before you; it has only seven Presbyterian ministers; and it has 
140,000 inhabitants; these are scattered over an area of country 
three times as large as Connecticut; and what makes it still more 
important is this,—a vast tract of first-rate land has been lately 
brought into market, and is now fast filling up with people, from 
nearly all the other states.. In my late tour, I was within the 
bounds of this new purchase, and preached two sermons in it; 
and if it shall please the trustees to continue my appointment, I 
contemplate removing there in less than a year, to endeavor to 
build up a little church in Owen county, and to labour as a mis- 
sionary ; I shall then be in the heart of the state, and of the mission 
ground; and I think I could do more good in the church there than 


where I now am. 
% * * * * 


1823. Before the spring meeting of (Salem) Presbytery, which 
was held at Charlestown, 105 miles distant, a call was made out by 
the Bethany church in Owen county, to obtain my ministerial 
labours for one half of the time. I attended the Presbytery and 
accepted the call, when the arrangements were made for an in- 
stallation in August. Soon after my return from this Presbytery, 
I began to open regularly upon my plan of missionary labour. 
About the time of my removal from Kentucky, the Rev. David C. 
Proctor engaged for a year at Indianapolis, for three-fourths of his 
time, and soon after he engaged to supply the remaining fourth 
part of his time at Bloomington. These places are 52 miles apart. 
In passing from one to the other, of these places, he usually came 
by my house. It was not before July of this year that the way be- 
came prepared to constitute a church at Indianapolis. My first 
visit to that place was through many perils of waters by the way, 
in company with Mr. Proctor, the 8rd of July. On the afternoon 
of the 4th I preached to the Presbyterian friends at a cabinet 
maker’s shop; and at the same place on the morning of the 5th, I 
presided as moderator, in the formation of the church at Indian- 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 401 


apolis. Two ruling elders were chosen, viz., Dr. Isaac Coe and Mr. 
Caleb Scudder. The same day two other ministers arrived; the 
next day was the Sabbath, and there were four ministers with this 
new-formed church. This was now the second year of the settle- 
ment of this town. In the same month I made my first tour 
through the churches and settlements near the Wabash above Terre 
Haute, and visited the newly located town of Crawfordsville. In 
this tour, I passed a night in the woods, without human company, 
or other hight than that made by the lightning. 

In August, I went to a sacrament in Knox county, and first 
saw Vincennes; this was about 85 miles from my residence, nearly 
south west ;—here has been a Presbyterian minister for many years 
well nigh alone, keeping a Presbyterian post near the old French 
military post of Vincennes. To this place I was invited by the resi- 
dent minister to assist him in a sacramental meeting to be given on 
Friday. In October, I again attended Presbytery; (this session 
was held at Shelbyville, Kentucky); and from Presbytery went 
on to Synod at Lexington; this was a travel of 150 miles to attend 
Presbytery, and 200, or very nearly, to attend Synod. After the 
Synod, I visited Nicholasville, White Oak, and Danville; preached 
again on the Sabbath to my congregation of Nicholasville, and a 
number of times in the county; this is the last time of my being in 
those places. That meeting of Synod divided the Louisville Pres- 
bytery, and formed a new one in Indiana; this had been an object 
greatly desired by the members in Indiana. The new one was, at 
my suggestion, named ‘‘Salem Presbytery.’’ In this name I re- 
garded its scriptural signification ;—its first meeting was not held 
till the following April. 

1825. In April, 1824, the Salem Presbytery had its first meet- 
ing. This was held in the town of Salem. That meeting I at- 
tended, and was one of the committee to form rules for its regula- 
tions, and times of meeting. I also drew up the report respecting 
the state of religion within its bounds. In this I endeavoured to 
give a brief outline of the country, with its need of increase of 
ministers. This report was designed for the General Assembly at 
Philadelphia, whither it was sent. A copy was also sent to Hart- 
ford, Connecticut, and published in the Connecticut Observer. 


402 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Immediately after Presbytery, I spent some days, by special 
request, in the south part of Washington county, to form a church; 
this church was formed and named ‘‘Bethlehem.’’ I think its 
members were 14; to this church I administered the sacrament the 
day after its formation. Early this spring was printed my first 
little book; this was a tract of twelve pages with this title, ‘‘The 
Christian’s Duty;’’ of this, I published an edition of a thousand 
copies. Most of these I have either distributed gratuitously or sold, 
and I have reason to believe they have been useful. This year I 
also constituted two other Presbyterian churches, and revived, by 
God’s blessing, a third. The first of these was gathered at Craw- 
fordsville in June, and revisited and the sacrament administered 
in September. The other was over the Wabash river, in Edgar 
county, Illinois. This was over 70 miles westward from my resi- 
dence. It was not till after a third application that I was able to 
20. 

At the time of that visit, there seemed a special Divine influ- 
ence on the minds of several. Returning from that place, I came 
through a relic of a church formed just upon the line of the two 
states, by the Rev. N. B. Denow. It had now but one ruling elder 
and nine or ten members; but here the Spirit of the Lord seemed to 
be moving on the minds of numbers. I held a sacrament for them 
and others on the east side of the Wabash river, in the village of 
Terre Haute, on Thursday in the week, and five were received into 
this little church, and from that time it had a blessed season of 
revival till its numbers were seventy. Its first name had been 
‘‘Hopewell,’’ but at my suggestion, it was changed to New Hope. 
Of this tour and these things, a letter was published in the West- 
ern Luminary, printed at Lexington, Kentucky, under the title of 
‘“Good News from the Frontiers.’’ 

In the fall of 1823, the Rev. D. C. Proctor left Indiana, and 
located in Kentucky. From this time, the particular care of the 
church at Bloomington and at Indianapolis, fell upon me, till the 
arrival of the Rev. Mr. Bush at the latter place in the summer of 
1824, and the Rev. Mr. Hall at Bloomington near the same time. 
Neither sacraments nor baptism were performed in either, but by 
my ministry. My travels in this year, 1824, were 2480 miles. I 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 403 


attended sixteen sacramental meetings, in which I either had the 
whole ministerial labours, or assisted with others; examined about 
forty persons, who were received into the communion of the 
church; nine of these where I was pastor. Baptised eight adults 
and sixty-one children. 

The fall session of our Presbytery was held at Charlestown. 
At this was granted the first licensure, which ever took place in 
the Presbyterian Church in Indiana. At this meeting, the writer 
acted as moderator; as he did also in the first ordination the fol- 
lowing March. In the spring session of the Presbytery for 1825, 
which was held at Washington, the writer preached the opening 
sermon, and the following week he preached the ordination ser- 
mon at Bloomington, when the Rev. B. R. Hall was ordained and 
installed over the church at Bloomington. In this year there were 
six ordinations in the Presbyterian Church in Indiana. Four of 
these I attended and took a part;— at the first, which was the 
Rev. Geo. Bush at Indianapolis, as moderator, I gave out the ap- 
pointments to the others, and took the address to the congregation 
on myself. At the second, which was this at Bloomington, I 
preached the sermon. At the next, which was the Rev. Alexander 
Williamson as evangelist, I was not present. At the fourth which 
was the Rev. T. H. Brown, over the Bethlehem church, I preached 
the sermon. At the fifth, which was the Rev. Stephen Bliss as 
evangelist, and which took place at Vincennes, I gave the charge 
to the evangelist. 

This was at a meeting of the Presbytery, held in connection 
with the annual meeting of the Indiana Missionary Society; this 
was a society in which I felt a great interest. It was formed by the 
brethren in Indiana, in the summer of 1822; whilst I was in Ken- 
tucky I became a member of it, at its first anniversary, 1823, and 
received a commission to perform eight weeks of missionary 
labours. A part of these weeks of labour were performed. That 
anniversary I was not able to attend. 

The second anniversary, which was held in August, 1824, I 
attended, and made myself and my wife life members, by the pay- 
ment of 10 dollars for each. The next year, was this time at Vin- 
cennes, when I made my oldest child a life member by the payment 


404 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


of 10 dollars more, and before leaving Indiana, in 1826, I made 
another child a life member by the payment of 10 dollars more; 
T also interested myself much in the increase of its funds by others, 
and with some success; particularly was this the case at Bloom- 
ington, Charlestown, Indianapolis, and Terre Haute, and from a 
female friend in Green county. I looked upon it as a means which 
promised great good to the needy churches in Indiana, and its 
meetings were seasons of much satisfaction to my mind. The last 
of these meetings which I was favoured to attend, was that in 
August, 1825, where, in connection with another brother, I drew 
up its report and prepared it for the press. In the summer also 
of this year, I published two sermons in one book. One of these 
was a New Year’s sermon to the young people of Owen county, the 
other, the ordination sermon at Bloomington. This sermon also 
the Salem Presbytery had printed, at Lexington, Kentucky. A 
little book of my preparing, called ‘‘ Conversations on Infant Bap- 
tism, mainly abridged from a work of Charles Jaram, A. M., of 
England.’’ This abridgment had been first made, when I resided 
at Nicholasville: it was now revised the last winter, and submitted 
to our Presbytery in its session at Bloomington in April. By them 
it was adopted, and a resolution passed to publish it. It was pub- 
lished in an edition of 1000 copies. These were sold, as far as I 
have known, very readily. 


1825. The third annual Meeting of the Indiana Missionary 
Society, was held in Vincennes, on the 5th of August, 1825, and 
was opened with prayer by the president, the Rev. Samuel T. 
Scott. 


Officers of the Society for the Present Year. 


President 
The Rev. Samuel T. Scott 


Vice Presidents 
Dr. Isaac Coe Hon. William Hendricks 
Hon. James Scott Gen. Homer Johnston 


Secretaries 
Rev. Wm. W. Martin, recording secretary 
Rev. Isaac Reed, corresponding secretary 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 405 


Treasurer 
James McKinney, Esq. 


Standing Committee 


Rev. John M. Dickey Samuel] Lynn 

Rev. Wm. W. Martin A. Wier 

Rev. Isaac Reed John C. McPheeters 
Rev. Alexander Williamson James Carnahan 
Rev. Tilly H. Brown Dr. Burr Bradley 
John Martin Leonard Hutton 


Life Members 


Rev. Isaac Reed Mrs. Elinor Reed 
Rev. John M. Dickey Martha Doughty Reed 
Rev. Samuel T. Scott (four years old, by her father) 


Rev. Alexander Williamson 


The next annual meeting of the society is to be held at Indian- 
apolis, the first Friday in August, 1826. 


1825. Indianapolis, the new and permanent seat of govern- 
ment for the state, is a place of great need and of high hope for a 
located missionary; I was lately there, and the session of the 
church showed me a written resolution of their society, which they 
design to forward to you. This resolution requests the location of 
a missionary there; I encouraged them to forward it. There are 
many reasons why this location should be made. A church is com- 
menced there, which has eighteen members; four of these are male 
persons. A meeting-house is built, at least raised and covered in. 


The congregation is able and willing to raise for your mission- 
ary $200 a year. There is a little Baptist church, and a little 


*[A copy of the original issue of Dr. Dickey’s article: ‘A Brief His- 
tory of the Presbyterian Church in the State of Indiana” is in the pos- 
session of the Presbyterian Historical Society at Philadelphia, Pa. Our 
reprint of the paper was made from a typewritten copy and not from 
the photostat copy of the original in the Indiana State Library. The 
following variations from the original will, therefore, be noted: 


In the original document the names of months are frequently ab- 
breviated and numbers are usually in figures. Small capitals and small 
letters are often used instead of capitals, especially toward the end of 
the article. This is explained by the fact that the supply of type in those 
early days was limited, and the typesetter, in setting a long article, 
sometimes ran out of type for a particular capital letter and was obliged 
to use small capitals or small letters. Further variations, except slight 
differences in punctuation, are indicated in footnotes. ] 


406 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Methodist society ; and there is no church of our order near enough 
to unite with these to obtain a minister; the nearest is fifty-two 
miles. It is thought by the session, if they can have a missionary 
for one year, they can support him after that time; they have such 
prospects from those, who are expected to move there within a 
year. Now, they look to you, brethren, to appoint them one; and 
he ought to be there as soon as possible ;—they want a man of such 
talents as are favourable to collecting and embodying society; one 
who would be willing to become settled; he should appropriate his 
Sabbaths to the town, and have week-day appointments all about 
that part of the country. 


*Note—Mrs. Coe was absent on a visit to her former home in the 
East. It was customary in the early days, when the rules of church gov- 
ernment were very strictly observed, for persons wishing to participate 
in the sacrament in churches other than their own, to produce certifi- 
cates of membership. Rebecca Cook Coe, wife of Dr. Isaac Coe, was 
born in New Jersey in 1782, the year of Dr. Coe’s birth. She died at 
Indianapolis on December 5, 1843. Having come here with her husband 
in May, 1821, she was a resident of this place for nearly twenty-three 
years, during the earliest period of its history, and was untiring in the 
charitable work of the growing town. At the time of her death, her 
pastor, Dr. Gurley, wrote:—‘While fully participating in the hardships 
and privations incident to new settlements, so severely trying to those 
used to the associations and comforts of the older states, she was the 
active and efficient friend of the sick and destitute. Few were the 
cabins of affliction that were not visited by her, even in the exposure 
of storms; and many of the needy and ignorant were, by her efforts, 
guided to the Sabbath School. A lively sensibility to the calls of benev- 
olence was in her a marked trait. She was one of the little flock which 
united in the formation of the Presbyterian Church of this place, the 
interests of which, for the advancement of the Redeemer’s kingdom, 
have always been the object of her deepest solicitude. To provide for 
the hospitable entertainment of the weary missionary was ever her con- 
cern, aS many recipients of her kind regard could testify.” Mrs. Coe was 
intensely interested in the work of the Indianapolis Tract Society, of 
which Dr. Coe was for many years President. The local organization 
was affiliated with the American Tract Society and circulated its litera- 
ture. A sight familiar to the inhabitants of Indianapolis in pioneer days 
was that of Mrs. Coe riding on her pony, distributing tracts among those 
outside the membership of the churches. 


CHAPTER XI : 
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND EDUCATION* 
THE FIRST LIBRARIES** 


In the minutes of the session (page 306) there is record of the 
founding of a lbrary for this church. This was distinct from the 
Union Sunday School library, and the two were the first free li- 
braries in the city and probably in the state. In connection with 
the history of these library enterprises, there should be noted ex- 
tracts from two articles published in The Indianapolis Star and 
The Indianapolis News, April 9 and 10, 1923, respectively, relating 
to the semi-centennial of the Indianapolis Public Library, which 
was celebrated on Sunday, April 8, 1923, as they indicate the early 
influence of this church and the Union Sunday School in the free 
library movement : 


(From The Indianapolis Star, April 9, 1923) 

‘‘The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of 
the Indianapolis Public Library, held yesterday afternoon at the 
Central Library building, St. Clair and Pennsylvania streets, be- 
came a joint festival with the one hundredth anniversary of the 
founding of free Sunday School libraries. Mr. Jacob P. Dunn, 
ex-member of the Indiana Library Commission, called attention 
to the fact that Indianapolis Sunday Schools established free 
libraries—the first in Indiana—in 1823, and declared that without 
the service that the Sunday Schools rendered, the present-day 
library would lack its advancement and facilities. ‘These Sun- 
day School libraries proved to the public what free reading 
meant,’ Mr. Dunn said. ‘They lighted the way for the later 
coming of public libraries supported by taxation and dedicated to 
the citizenship as a whole.’ He declared that the Sunday School 
libraries caused children to form the reading habit. 

‘‘Mr. Dunn said further that the celebration was really that 
of the founding of the free hbrary system in Indiana, as well as in 

*See also pages 22, 26, 27, 60, 61, 78, 80, 126, 127, 209, 214-221, 234. 

**See pages 216, 220, 234, 251, 261, 306. 

407 


408 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Indianapolis, laws authorizing the establishment of libraries in 
cther counties, townships, and communities having been based on 
the success of the Indianapolis system.’’ 


(From The Indianapolis News, April 10, 1923) 


‘‘In his remarks at the semi-centennial library celebration, 
observed in the City Library building Sunday afternoon, Mr. 
Jacob P. Dunn said, in substance, that the first hbrary move- 
ment in the state was the Sunday School movement, which had 
for its aim not only religious instruction, but also rudimentary 
education in a land that then had few schooling facilities for its 
children. It both taught and supplied reading, and the old Sun- 
day School libraries were a precious boon to that generation.’’ 


THE INDIANAPOLIS ACADEMY* 
Mr. Jacos P. Dunn. 


Upon the arrival of Ebenezer Sharpe in Indianapolis in 1826, 
by invitation of the Trustees, he assumed charge of the school 
attached to the Presbyterian meeting house, and called it the 
Indianapolis Academy. His pupils said of him: ‘‘Never was 
there a better teacher; the school hours are all happiness.’’ The 
master was a man of fine classical education and peculiarly 
adapted by nature and disposition for the profession of a teacher, 
mild and genial in his manner, believing more in moral suasion, 
to gain the respect and obedience of his pupils, than he did in the 
rod. He was ever diligent at his books and carried his studies 
often far into the quiet watches of the night. No one under his 
training ever heard a cross or sarcastic word. He opened the 
school each morning with the reading of Scripture and prayer, 
and gave daily moral and religious instruction to his pupils... His 
scanning of Latin made his pupils long to learn the language, so 
musical were his tones of voice. Mr. Sharpe was regarded by his 
pupils with devoted affection. About 1830 he removed his school 
to a frame building at the corner of Ohio and Meridian streets, and 
continued it there until a short time before his death in 1835. 


*For sketch of Ebenezer Sharpe see page 126; also pages 22, 23, 60. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 409 


THE AXTELL SCHOOL AND McLEAN SEMINARY 
Mr. Jacosp P. DuNN 


When the question arose in early days in Indianapolis: ‘‘ What 
shall we do with our girls?’’ the Presbyterians led off in the solu- 
tion. In 1836, elders of the First Church—Dr. Isaac Coe, James 
Blake and James M. Ray—obtained a charter for the Indianapolis 
Female Institute, which was opened in June, 1837, under the man- 
agement of two sisters, the Misses Mary Jane and Harriet Axtell, 
teachers from the Geneva Female Seminary, Geneva, New York. 
They were daughters of the Rev. Henry Axtell, D. D., pastor of 
the Presbyterian Church of Geneva, sisters of the Rev. Charles 
Axtell, an early elder of the First Church and nieces of Dr. Isaac 
Coe. At this school were taught ‘‘the mathematical and natural 
sciences, with history, and every branch of a thorough English 
education; also music, drawing, and the languages as desired.’’ 
The school was first held in the second story of what was known 
as the Sanders’ building on Washington street near Meridian, and 
later removed to a frame building adjoining the old Presbyterian 
church on Pennsylvania street. There were arrangements for 
private boarding in connection with the school. It attained quite 
a high reputation for excellence, and was continued until 1849, 
when the health of the elder Miss Axtell failed and the school was 
discontinued. She died a short time afterwards while on a trip 
to the West Indies for her health. The Misses Axtell were ex- 
cellent teachers, and were held in high esteem by their pupils. 
Upon the death of the elder Miss Axtell, the following tribute was 
paid her: ‘‘The distinguishing traits of her character were energy, 
perseverance, conscientiousness, refinement, affection, and devoted 
piety. As a teacher of youth, she was devoted to their highest 
improvement; superior to all mercenary or selfish motives, she 
spent her vital energies by day and night in behalf of her beloved 
young ladies. But she was especially distinguished in one respect, 
namely, in ever giving the decided and marked preference to 
moral excellence, and placing the Bible at the head of all text- 
books. She considered that the intellectual cultivation and lady- 
like deportment of her pupils were not hindered but rather ad- 
vanced by educating them, not only for time but for eternity. In 


410 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


the First Presbyterian Church of this city, of which she was a 
member, and in the Sabbath School connected with it, Miss Axtell 
was ever regarded with deep interest and affection, as a most 
efficient, spiritual, and devoted member.’’ 


After the discontinuance of the Axtell School, the Presby- 
terians attempted another, and a charter was obtained January 19, 
1850, for the Indianapolis Collegiate Institute, with James Blake, 
James M. Ray, William Sheets, Thomas H. Sharpe, and Isaac 
Coe, all elders of the First Church, as trustees, their successors 
to be elected by the First Presbyterian Church. This movement 
came to nothing, and there was an interval with no Presbyterian 
school for young ladies, but in 1852, First Church elders induced 
Rev. C. G. McLean to open one. He was well educated and 
talented, being a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and 
having pursued his theological studies under the celebrated Dr. 
John M. Mason. He was for twenty-seven years pastor of the . 
Associate Reformed Church of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and 
eight years of the Dutch Reformed Church at Fort Plain, New 
York. Dr. McLean was a fine preacher, but left pastoral work 
on account of his health just before coming here. The school was 
opened as the Indiana Female Seminary, and was very successful! 
for some years, the first catalogue showing 151 pupils, nearly all 
from Indianapolis. It was a boarding and day school, occupying a 
three-story brick building which was erected for it at the south- 
west corner of New York and Meridian streets. Dr. McLean con- 
tinued the school till his death in 1860, after which it was con- 
tinued by his son-in-law, Charles M. Todd, and Rev, Charles Stur- 
devant, until 1865. This school was commonly known as McLean 
Seminary. 


BEQUESTS TO COLLEGES 


BEQUEST OF MR. HARRY J. MILLIGAN 


Mr. Harry J. Milligan, after his graduation from Wabash 
College in 1873, came to Indianapolis and entered upon the prac- 
tice of law, in which profession he achieved marked success. As 















































MISS MARY JANE REV. CHARLES AXTELI MISS HARRIET AXTELL 
AXTELL (Elder, 1850-1852) 



































REY. CG: G. McLEAN, D. DD. REV: HENRY ISAAC COB REV. JAMES 











SAMUEL MERRILL DANIEL YANDES OLIVER. Ts LOGAN, M.D: 


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First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 411 


a citizen he took a deep interest in movements for the public wel- 
fare and was active in the work of the benevolent and charity or- 
ganizations of the city. He united with the First Presbyterian 
Church in 1877, and for the thirty-nine years that followed, un- 
til his death in 1916, he was influential in the work of the church 
—a loyal supporter of its services and activities. He served on 
the Board of Trustees, and was on committees to whom matters 
of importance were committed, such as securing a pastor in 1885, 
and determining the location up-town of the new church edifice 
in 1901. 

Mr. Milligan was for a long time president of the Board of 
Trustees of Wabash College, generous in contributions to enlarge 
its usefulness, and left for it at his death in 1916 a bequest of two 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars—the largest gift ever made 
to the college by any one person. 


BEQUEST OF MR. HENRY C. LONG 


Mr. Henry C. Long, one of the leading business men of In- 
dianapolis, was the son of a minister, and for twenty-six years 
up to the time of his death, January 19, 1901, was a loyal and 
honored member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving effi- 
ciently as president of the Board of Trustees and in other spheres 
of church activities. He was for a time a member of the Board 
of Trustees of Coates College for Women, at Terre Haute, and 
gave generously toward the maintenance of that institution. 
When it ceased its work he was so impressed with the urgent need 
for such a college in Indiana that he bequeathed the larger 
part of his estate to found a Christian ‘‘College for Women and 
Girls’’ to be located in or near Indianapolis. He specified that it 
should be under the control of ten trustees, six of whom were to 
be chosen from the Session and the Board of Deacons of the 
First Presbyterian Church, two to be named by the Governor of 
the state, and two by the Mayor of the city. The present mem- 
bership of the Board (1924) is as follows: Rev. M. L. Haines, 
President, Mr. Evans Woollen, Secretary, William N. Wishard, 
M. D., Charles P. Emerson, M. D., David Ross, M. D., Mr. James 


412 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


W. Lilly, Mr. John F. Wild, Mr. Edgar Evans, Mr. John J. Appel, 
Mrs. Felix T. McWhirter. The funds of the bequest for the en- 
dowment of the proposed college amount now to more than half 
a million dollars and are gradually being increased. 


AMERICANIZATION OF FOREIGNERS 
THE IMMIGRANTS’ AID ASSOCIATION 


Tribute paid Mr. John H. Holliday by Foreign-born Residents 
(From Indianapolis News, November 11, 1921) 


Two hundred foreign-born men, women, and children gathered 
at the Foreigners’ House, 617 West Pearl Street, Thursday even- 
ing to pay tribute to the memory of John H. Holliday, founder, 
and until his death, president of the Immigrants’ Aid Associa- 
tion. Resolutions prepared in Greek, Serbian, Roumanian and 
Bulgarian were read and adopted. They were signed by 349 men 
and women, representing these nationalities. In handsomely il- 
luminated lettering, neatly bound and tied with red, white and 
blue ribbons, the resolutions together with the English transla- 
tion, will be sent to Mrs. Holliday. The translation of the resolu- 
tions is as follows: 

In the death of Mr. John H. Holliday, October 20, 1921, the 
men and women of foreign birth residing in the City of Indian- 
apolis have lost their best friend. 

In 1911 he called together a group of citizens and organized 
the Immigrants’ Aid Association for the protection and uplift of 
the aliens of the city. This organization made possible the estab- 
lishment of a night school, whereby the foreigners could learn the 
English language and otherwise equip themselves for the duties of 
citizenship. Through this organization, he and his associates 
blazed the way for real Americanization work in Indiana. 
Thousands of aliens, young and old, men and women, have been 
the beneficiaries of the good work done through this organization. 

How truly the life and work of this splendid citizen answered 
the age-old interrogatory, ‘‘Am I my brother’s keeper ?’’ 

Mr. Holliday gave to the night school for foreigners, con- 


ducted by the Immigrants’ Aid Association, the motto: ‘‘ EKduca- 
tion is the key to progress.’’ 

John H. Holliday was an elder in the First Presbyterian 
Church almost thirty-five years—from January 27,1887 to October 
2091921) 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 413 


THE COSMOPOLITAN MISSION 


KATHARINE H. Day (Mrs. T. C.) 


The Cosmopolitan Mission, occupying the former Twelfth 
Presbyterian Church building in West Maryland Street, has been 
a real educational social center and a growing factor in the up- 
hft of our foreign population since it was started by the Indian- 
apolis Presbytery early in 1908. Mr. Joseph Horkey, a young 
Bohemian who could speak several languages, was brought here 
as superintendent and field worker, and rendered most valuable 
Service in that capacity. Dr. Haines and the First Church stood 
loyally by the mission from its beginning, furnishing the Educa- 
tional Director, Miss Della Brown, a valued worker for the night 
school and Sunday School, also many volunteer teachers and 
workers for these schools and other activities growing out of the 
needs of the community, such as Boy Scout clubs, girls’ clubs, Day 
Nursery, mothers’ clubs, and Daily Vacation Bible School. Many 
prominent members of this church have assisted in carrying on the 
Sunday School, which has been gaining in interest continually, 
until the children themselves give most commendable programs at 
Christmas time and upon other occasions, under the leadership of 
eapable instructors. 

The Vacation Bible School of the mission proves most helpful 
along social and educational lines, in impressing Bible truths and 
in allowing sewing and other handiwork of various kinds to be 
introduced as recreation.. 

The mission has given a welcome to men, women and children 
of all nationalities, and during all these years, hundreds have had 
their first lessons in English and have gained their first impres- 
sions of American ideals through the work of the Cosmopolitan 
Mission. Scores of letters have been received from different 
countries and from all parts of the United States from former 
pupils, which attest the high value the writers placed upon the 
privileges of the mission, many of them also referring to the 
First Church as their ‘‘church home.’’ 


CHAPTER XII 


MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS 
SAMUEL MERRILL 


Mr. Jacosp P. DUNN 


Samuel Merrill, who died at Indianapolis on the 24th of 
August, 1855, was an honored pioneer who left a large and benefi- 
cent impress upon the history of Indiana and its capital city. He 
was born in Peacham, Vermont, October 29, 1792, and was a 
scion of one of the old and honored families of New England. At 
the age of twenty-three Mr. Merrill came to Indiana and estab- 
lished himself in the practice of law at Vevay. In 1821 he re- 
moved to Corydon, then the capital of the state, having previously 
been elected to the office of state treasurer. He was the incum- 
bent of this office at the time the capital was removed to 
Indianapolis, and in October, 1824, he consumed eleven days im 
making his official journey to the new seat of government. After 
a period of twelve years, and while still holding the office of 
state treasurer, Mr. Merrill was elected president of the State 
Bank of Indiana, an executive office which demanded great ad- 
ministrative ability and acumen as a financier. In 1850 he estab- 
lished the publishing house with which the family name has been 
long and prominently identified, being perpetuated in the ex- 
tensive publishing firm of the Bobbs-Merrill Company, now one 
of the best known in the United States. With this business enter- 
prise, Mr. Merrill continued to be actively identified until his 
death, and he was a dominating force in the business and civie 
hfe of Indianapolis, where he ever stood an exponent of the 
highest type of loyal and progressive citizenship, and where his 
name is held in lasting honor. He was a man of high intel- 
lectual attainments and of great capacity for the handling of 
business affairs of broad scope and importance. 

Mr. Merrill was a man of lofty ideals, generous attributes of 
character, and abiding human tolerance and sympathy. His in- 
fluence permeated many fields and always with good results. He 

414 


fa 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 415 


took an active interest in all that tended to conserve the general 
welfare, and was an active worker in the church. He was a re- 
Jigious instructor in the Union Sunday School, and one of his ¢o- 
laborers paid him the following tribute: ‘‘Of those who were in 
the Sunday School work at the beginning, none do I delight to 
think of more than of Samuel Merrill, one of God’s noblemen, as 
I was with him in the work of forming Sabbath Schools, and as 
superintendent as well as teacher. Our long acquaintance and 
Jabor together only endeared him to me the more, as they did to 
others.’’ Another, who knew him well, gave the following appre- 
ciative estimate of the man: ‘‘He maintained in rare combina- 
tion the sternest ideas of justice with the most beautiful simplicity 
and child-like sweetness of manners.’’ At the time of the or- 
ganization of the Second Presbyterian Church, Mr. Merrill with 
Daniel Yandes was appointed by those withdrawing from the 
First Church, to negotiate an equitable division of the church 
property. Mr. Merrill’s membership was never with the First 
Church, but be became an elder in the Second Church under 
Henry Ward Beecher, and served in that office in the Fourth 
Church from its organization until his death. 


DANIEL YANDES 
Mr. Jacosp P. DuNN 


Daniel Yandes was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 
January, 1793. After the death of his father, he, with his wife 
and two children, emigrated to Indiana and settled in Fayette 
County, near Connersville, in 1818. Thence he came to Indian- 
apolis in 1821, where he at once became active in the business life 
of the growing town. When Mr. Yandes arrived in Indianapolis 
he had a capital of four thousand dollars and this amount was suf- 
ficient to constitute him the largest capitalist of the embryonic 
city during the ensuing decade. He had the distinction of serving 
as the first treasurer of Marion County, and in 1838 received from 
Governor Noble the unsolicited appointment as a member of the 
State Board of Internal Improvements, to which was assigned the 
control of the varied and extensive system of internal improve- 
ments provided for by legislative action in 1836. Mr. Yandes 


416 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


was a man of marked initiative power and constructive ability, so 
that he was well fitted to become one of the founders and upbuild- 
ers ‘of a city and state. He gave generously of his talents in 
furthering the industrial and civic development of Indiana, and 
his name is one that merits a conspicuous place on the roll of those 
who have worthily conserved such progress. His integrity was of 
the insistent and unswerving type, and no shadow rests upon any 
portion of his career as an active business man and sterling citizen. 

Mr. Yandes’ religious faith was primarily that represented by 
the Lutheran Church, but as Indianapolis had no organization of 
that denomination in the early days, he identified himself with the 
Presbyterian Church. He with Dr. Coe and James Blake con- 
stituted the first building committee of the Presbyterian Church,* 
which he served also as a trustee, and for a number of years he 
was one of the first elders and trustees of the Second Pres- 
byterian Church, to whose upbuilding and support he contributed 
In generous measure. From 1823 onward for a period of more 
than twenty years his home was the leading hospice of the Presby- 
terian clergy, several of the most prominent of whom in the pioneer 
days of the state were entertained there for long periods. He was 
liberal in his contributions to charities, as well as to the various 
departments of church work, and prior to 1865 his donations along 
these lines had reached a total of about sixty thousand dollars— 
an amount the efficiency and value of which at that time, would 
not be equalled by twice the sum today. His death occurred in 
June, 1878. 


Daniel Yandes was the father of the late Simon and George 
Yandes, prominent and representative citizens of Indianapolis, the 
former one of the city’s distinguished lawyers and financiers, 
whom the Boston Globe pronounced editorially ‘‘one of the world’s 
practical philanthropists.’’ The large fortune which Simon 
Yandes accumulated he dispensed so wisely and so judiciously as 
to merit the approval of all interested in the welfare of humanity. 
A considerable proportion of the $800,000 thus disposed of, was 
bestowed in the interest of the Presbyterian Church in Indiana, 
Wabash College alone having received from him in the course of a 


*Afterward the First Presbyterian. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 417 


few years gifts totalling $150,000, and the cause of Presbyterian 
extension $60,000. As mentioned elsewhere in this volume, Simon 
Yandes, a boy of eight, was one of the original thirty scholars in 
the Union Sabbath School at its organization, April 6, 1823. He 
united with this church October 4, 1829, on profession of his 
faith, later transferring his membership to the Second Presby- 
terian Church at its organization in 1838. 


KARLY LETTERS 


Letter from the Rev. John R. Moreland 
June the 16th, 1829. 
Mr. H. Bradley, 
J. M. Ray; 

Dear Brothers— 

I have just received a request from you to attend a meeting of 
Sabbath School children at the approaching anniversary of our in- 
dependence. It would gratify me to be present and to participate 
in the antics and privileges of the day. But I expect to be absent 
that day. This I feel to be no little sacrifice. All you can expect 
on that day from me, dear fellow labourers, is that I will try to 
help you onward with my prayers. 

Very respectfully, 
Your ob’t ser’t, (signed) John R. Moreland. 


Letter from the Ladies of the Sewing Circle 
Nov. 25th, 1851. 
Dr. Coe, 

Dear Sir,— 

The Ladies of the Sewing Circle attached to the First Pres. 
Church, respectfully solicit the use of said Church (the basement 
only) to hold a sale and give a supper, the proceeds of which are 
for church purposes. 

‘We also request Dr. Coe to present our wish to the Trustees 
without delay, as it is emportant to the completion of our plans to 
have a decided answer by Friday. 

Very respectfully y’rs in Christ, 
The Ladies of S. C. of F’st Ch. 


418 . CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Letter from Mrs. Lucia 8. Holliday (widow of the Rev. Wiliam 
A. Holliday ) 
James M. Ray, Esq., Indianapolis, August 16, 1867. 
My dear Sir— 

I beg leave, through you, to present to the Session of the First 
Presbyterian Church, the accompanying sum of one hundred dol- 
lars ($100.00), to be appropriated to the purchase of a Commun- 
ion Service for the new Church. Respectfully yours, 

(signed) Lucia S. Holliday. 


An Early ‘‘Church Letter’’ 
Mr. ——_____—__, Cincinnati. June 14, 1821 

Dayton, Ohio. 

Dear Sir,— 

Your letter of the 8th inst. has been received. As to your stand- 
ing in the Church I can only certify that it was good when you 
left us. You ought then to have taken a certificate, but I believe 
you did not apply for one. What your life and conversation have 
been since, I know not. I have heard some unfavorable reports 
respecting your being concerned in some way with play-actors. I 
have not had an opportunity of examining into their truth or false- 
hood. If, however, the session at Dayton think proper to admit 
you as I believe you have lived in that congregation since you left 
this, I shall not object; however, I suppose they can ascertain 
whether your life has coincided with your Christian profession or 
not. 

I have not had an opportunity of laying your letter before the 
session and I expect it will be two weeks before the session will 
meet. This letter, therefore, is only to be considered as mine, and 
not the decision of the session. I pray God that you may be pre- 
served blameless till the coming of the Lord Jesus. I saw your 
father last Sabbath at Indian Creek. He said your brother was 
getting better. 

Give my kind respects to your wife and believe me your friend, 

J. S. Wilson. 

This letter was afterwards brought to the First Chureh and 

marked —————~’s certificate. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 419 


CIRCULAR LETTER 


(Calling a State Sabbath Convention in Indianapolis the second 
Wednesday in December, 1845, to confer on Sabbath 
Observance). 


Dear Sir,— 

You are doubtless aware that within the last few years special 
efforts have been made in various parts of our country by the 
friends of morality and religion to promote the general sanctifi- 
cation of the Christian Sabbath. Large conventions have been held 
for this purpose in several different states and, through their 
agency, as we have abundant reason to believe, much good has been 
accomplished. In these conventions the origin of the Sabbath—its 
perpetuity as an institution of God challenging universal observ- 
ance—and its immense advantages, physical, intellectual, moral 
and religious, have been made the subject. of calm, clear, instruc- 
tive, and most interesting discussions. New light has been evolved 
by this free and fraternal interchange of sentiment; the friends of 
the Sabbath have been more deeply impressed thereby with a sense 
of its binding obligation and its great utility; their determination 
to promote its observance by both precept and example, has been 
strengthened; and a new impulse has been given to the general 
public sentiment in its favor, the first beneficial effects of which 
have already appeared, and may be regarded as the pledge of 
greater good to be realized hereafter. In explanation of this last 
statement, it is only necessary to say, that in the states where such 
conventions have been held, canal, steamboat, and railroad com- 
panies have already, in several instances, actually suspended ope- 
rations upon the Sabbath; and other companies are taking meas- 
ures preparatory to the adoption of a week-day arrangement, fully 
satisfied that such an arrangement is both their duty and their 
interest. That the moral influence exerted by State Sabbath Con- 
ventions has been mainly instrumental in effecting this change 
eannot be doubted, we think, by anyone who has with care and 
eandor given his attention to the subject. 

With these facts before them, many of the friends of the Sab- 
bath in Indiana have expressed a desire that a State Sabbath Con- 


420 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


vention should be held at Indianapolis some time during the ensu- 
ing winter. The suggestion was first formally and publicly made 
by the Sabbath Association of Eastern Indiana. At a meeting 
recently held by them in the eastern part of the state a committee 
was appointed to confer with the friends of the Sabbath here as to 
the propriety of calling such a convention, and to suggest that, if 
such a convention should be deemed expedient, it had better be 
left to the religious community of this place to fix the time of 
holding it, and to make all the requisite preparatory arrangements. 
Accordingly, a public meeting of the friends of the Sabbath in 
this place was recently called for consultation upon the subject, 
at which it was Resolved: That a State Sabbath Convention be held 
at Indianapolis on the Second Wednesday December next, to com- 
mence at ten o’clock A. M. It is the object of this circular to eall 
your attention to this convention. It is to be composed of the 
friends of the Christian Sabbath without regard to denominational 
peculiarities. We doubt not it will meet your cordial approba- 
tion; and we earnestly solicit you to attend yourself, and to use 
your influence to induce others to attend. It is desirable that 
every part of the state shall be fully represented, and that no 
pains shall be spared to make the occasion one which will reflect 
great credit upon the intelligence, the talent, the patriotism, the 
correct moral sentiment, and the high-toned piety of Indiana. 
While other states are coming up so nobly and so successfully to 
the work of promoting the increased and more general sanctifica- 
tion of the Sabbath, we should not be inactive. Both religion and 
patriotism require us to cooperate with our brethren in different 
sections of the Union for the accomplishment of this most desirable 
and highly important object. The Sabbath is an institution of 
God, established at the close of creation, renewedly enforced amid 
the thunders of Sinai, and sanctioned by the example of Jesus 
Christ. It ‘‘was made for man.’’ It meets his wants and pro- 
motes his highest temporal as well as spiritual interests. To tram- 
ple upon the Sabbath is to subvert religion and morality; and this 
is but sapping the foundations of Republican government and 
national prosperity. So thought the venerated Washington. ‘‘Of 
all the dispositions and habits,’’ said he, ‘‘which lead to political 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 421 


prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In 
vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should 
labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firm- 
est props of the duties of both men and citizens. The mere poli- 
tician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish 
them.’’ And a greater than Washington has said, ‘“‘If thou turn 
away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my 
Holy Day; and eall the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, 
honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor 
finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words; Then, 
shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride 
upon the high places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of 
Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.’’ 

Let it be remembered, then, that in seeking to secure a more 
general sanctification of the Sabbath, we are yielding to the dic- 
tates of interest, patriotism and duty; we strengthen the founda- 
tions of national greatness; we obey the voice, avert the judgment 
and secure the favor of God. 


On behalf of the friends of the Sabbath: 
(Signed ) 


J. L. SMITH, Sta. Preacher M. E. Church (Eastern Charge), 
L. H. JAMESON, Evangelist of the Christian Church, 
C. B. PHILLIPS, Pastor of the Second Baptist Church. 
*P. D. GURLEY, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, 
**H. W. BEECHER, Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, 
W. W. HIBBEN, Sta. Preacher, M. E. Church (West Charge), 
SAMUEL L. JOHNSON, Pastor of Christ Church, 


J. G. KUNZ, Pastor of the German Reformed Church, 
Committee of Arrangements. 


Indianapolis, September 18, 1845. 


*Phineas Densmore Gurley 
**Henry Ward Beecher. 


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SdIIddns GHLVLS GNV SHOLSVd HO CUOORY 


422 


Name 
Isaac Coe, M. D. 
Caleb Scudder 
Ebenezer Sharpe 
John Johnson 
John G. Brown 
James Blake 
James M. Ray 
Gov. Samuel Bigger 
George S. Brandon 
Charles Axtell 
Horatio C. Newcomb 
Thomas H. Sharpe 
William Sheets 
Thomas MaclIntire 
Benjamin Harrison 
Myron A. Stowell 
William E. Craig 
Robert Browning 
Jeremiah McLene 
James W. Brown 
Isaac C. Hayes 
Leverett B. Walker 
Asahel M. Benham 
Chapin C. Foster 
Ebenezer Sharpe, II 
William B. Wilson 
George F. Herriott 
Robert S. McKee 
W. H. H. Miller 
John H. Holliday 
Dr. Caleb C. Burgess 
Albert Baker 
Hugh H. Hanna, Sr. 
Thomas C. Day 
Henry Coe Sickels 
James A. Mount 
Charles Latham 


William N. Wishard, M. D. 


Augustin Boice 
Arthur N. Dwyer 
David Ross, M. D. 
John F. Wild 
Charles W. Mayer 
James W. Lilly 
Henry M. Dowling 


Charles P. Emerson, M. D. 


John A Kolmer, M. D. 
William G. Young 
John F. Habbe 
Evans Woollen 

Louis C. Huesmann 
Robert B. Malloch 
James H. McConnell 


Elected 
July 5, 1823 
July 5, 1823 
Feb. 18, 1827 
Feb. 18, 1827 
Feb. 18, 1827 
Oct. 17, 1830 
Oct. 17, 1830 
May 16, 1842 
May 16, 1842 
Feb. 27, 1850 
Feb. 27, 1850 
Feb. 27, 1850 

1853 

1853 
Jan. 24, 1861 
Oct. 11, 1866 
Oct. 11, 1866 
Nov. 17, 1870 
March 7, 1871 
March 7, 1871 
March 7, 1871 


March 30, 1871 Rem. from city, 1871 


RECORD OF ELDERS 


Resigned 
May 16, 1853 
Sept. 23, 1851 
1827 or 1828 


Sept. 23, 1851 


Ord. to Ministry 
Sept. 23, 1851 


July 16, 1879 


Nov. 27, 1867 
Apr. 14, 1882 
Aug. 31, 1880 
May 9, 1879 

Sept. 1, 1874 


March 30, 1871 Nov. 3, 1873 


Sept. 25, 1879 
Sept. 25, 1879 
Dec. 1, 1881 

Dec. 1, 1881 

Sept. 21, 1882 
Sept. 21, 1882 
Jan. 27, 1887 

Jan. 22, 1888 
Apr. 10, 1890 
Apr. 6, 1893 

Apr. 6, 1894 

Apr. 9, 1896 

Apr. 7, 1898 
Apr. 4, 1901 
Apr. 4, 1901 
Apr oLg04 
Apreit, 71904 
Apr. 7, 1904 
Apr. 6, 1911 

Apr. 6, 1911 

Apr. 2, 1914 
Apr. 8, 1915 

Apr. 6, 1916 
Apr 15);j1917 
Noy, 15, 1917 
Apr. 3, 1919 
Dec. 29, 1921 
Apr. 6, 1922 
Apr. 6, 1922 
Apr. 6, 1922 


423 


Nov. 1882 
Aug. 21, 1883 


March 24, 1890 


Apr. 5, 1917 
Apr. 3, 1919 


Apr. 15, 1915 


Died 
July 30, 1855 
May 9, 1866 
Aug. Ti 51836 


May 3, 1838 
Nov. 26, 1870 
Feb. 22, 1881 
Sept. 9, 1846 
Aug. 22, 1847 
Oct. 30, 1891 
May 3, 1882 
Feb. 12, 1893 
Mar. 4, 1872 
Sept. 25, 1885 
March 138, 1901 
Aug. 24, 1893 
June 25, 1900 
June 30, 1891 


Dec. 9, 1911 
Apr. 19, 1906 


June 28, 1916 
Apr. 19, 1901 


Dec. 31, 1900 
June 12, 1903 
May 25, 1915 
Oct. 20, 1921 
Dec. 16, 1895 


Oct. 31, 1920 
Jan. 16, 1901 
July 1, 1915 


May 17, 1913 
Jan. 24, 1911 


Sept. 21, 1917 


[Photographs of fifteen of 
the elders could not be ob- 


tained.] 


424 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


LIST OF DEACONS* 
1839-1923 


John W. Hamilton 
Samuel Blythe 
Thomas H. Sharpe 
Robert W. Allison 
D--Se ward 

John Carlisle 
Myron A. Stowell 
Benjamin Harrison 
Jeremiah McLene 
Frisbie S. Newcomer 
J. Albert Vinnedge 
Robert Browning 
James M. Brown 
William J. Johnston 
Benjamin J. Blythe 
Henry Carlisle 

E. P. Howe 

Isaac C. Hayes 
Charles Latham 
Carlos Dickson 
William S. Armstrong 
Hiram J. Craft 
Caleb C. Burgess 
Orris K. Coe 

Peter F. Bryce 
Archibald S. Runyon 
Henry C. Sickels 
Isaac Herr 

Charles Martindale 
William L. Elder 
Albert M. Bushnell 
Fielding T. Lee 
Wilmer F. Christian 
Arthur N. Dwyer 
Lucius E. Norton 
John A. Butler 
Mason Rash 

George H. Swain 
Augustin Boice 
William S. Lemmen 
Samuel A. Johnston 
John A. Allison 
William G. Young 
A. F. Kleinsmith 


James W. Lilly 
Frederick C. Heath, M. D. 
Davies M. Greene 
James W. Good 
David Ross, M. D. 
Joseph H. Pattison 
Charles W. Mayer 
Edward C. Elder, M. D. 
John A. Goulding 
Hugh H. Hanna, Jr. 
H. H. Weer 

A. A. Stubbins 
Samuel A. Townsend 
Francis B. Brickley 
Thaddeus H. McPheeters 
Alexander G. Cavins 
Verd R. Mayer 
George W. Bell 
James L. Floyd 

J. Harry McConnell 
Harvey S. Gruver 
John A. Kolmer 
John F. Habbe 
HKugene §S. Fisher 
Robert B. Malloch 
Volney D. Jenks 
Edwin C. Weir 
Harry M. Gentry 
James H. McConnell 
Leroy C. Breunig 
Edson F. Folsom 
Steele F. Gilmore 
Richard H. Habbe 

C. Ralph Hamilton 
Almus G. Ruddell 
William C. Williamson 
Charles H. Comstock 
Minor 8. Goulding 
Wilbur Johnson 
Mansur B. Oakes 
Alvah J. Rucker 
Leander L. Weir 

B. Howard Caughran 


*No names of deacons could be found in the records previous to 
1839. The names on this and the following lists, except list of members, 


appear in chronological order. 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 425 


LIST OF TRUSTEES 


18238-19238 
Isaac Coe Thos. C. Day 
James Blake Evans Woollen 
Daniel Yandes John Stevenson 
Harvey Gregg Fielding T. Lee 
William W. Wick Chapin C. Foster 
John G. Brown John E. Cleland 
Ebenezer Sharpe John A. Butler 
James Morrison Merrick E. Vinton 
Caleb Scudder John H. Holliday 
Luke Munsell James W. Lilly 
James M. Ray Charles M. Reynolds 
Samuel Bigger William L. Elder 
William Sheets Joseph H. Pattison 
Thomas H. Sharpe Oswald W. Visscher 
Thomas MaclIntire John F. Wild 
Benjamin Harrison H. Brooke Sale 
Robert Browning Harold O. Smith 
Jeremiah McLene William J. Brown 
James W. Brown John L. Baker 
Elijah B. Martindale George A. Gay 
William Braden Charles N. Thompson 
Upton J. Hammond Louis C. Huesmann 
Ebenezer Sharpe II Irving Williams 
Wiley W. Johnston Augustin Boice 
James Nichol John F. Habbe 
Jerome B. Root Henry M. Dowling 
Addison L. Roache John H. Holliday, Jr. 
Horace R. Allen, M.D. William EK. Day 
John D. Condit Herbert S. King 
Albert E. Fletcher Frederick A. K. Marx 
Harry J. Milligan A. Smith Bowman 
Edward L. McKee John H. Crall 
Henry C. Long Herbert W. Foltz 
Albert Baker Daniel W. Layman, M. D. 
Howard M. Foltz Tyree P. Burke 


Walter McDougall 


426 


CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


LIST OF CHURCH TREASURERS 1844-1923 


John W. Hamilton 
D. S. Ward 
Edwin J. Baldwin 
Jeremiah McLene 
Robert Browning 
Isaac C. Hayes 
Carlos Dickson 
James W. Brown 
R. S. McKee 


Mer 


rick E. Vinton 


W. H. H. Miller 


Cha 


rles Martindale 


Chapin C. Foster 
Howard M. Foltz 
John A. Butler 
James W. Lilly 
John F. Wild 
Robert B. Malloch 
T. H. McPheeters 
Charles N. Williams 
Leroy C. Breunig 
Clair McConnell 
Henry C. Sickels 


LIST OF SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS 1823-1923 


James M. Ray 


Dou 


glas Maguire 


Benjamin J. Blythe 
Caleb Scudder 
James Blake 


Tho 


mas H. Sharpe 


J. Albert Vinnedge 
Irving Harrison 
Asahel M. Benham 
Edward P. Howe 
Ebenezer Sharpe, II 
William S. Armstrong 
Benjamin Harrison 


Elij 
Jam 


ah B. Martindale 
es H. Smart 


Caleb S. Denny 
Charles Martindale 


Henry C. Sickels 

John H. Holliday 
Albert Baker 

Will J. Brown 

John T. Lecklider 
Adam J. Johnson 
Henry M. Dowling 
John F. Wild - 

James W. Lilly 
James A. Rohbach 
Rev. Louis W. Sherwin 
Wendell 8. Brooks 
Harris B. Heylmun 
Eugene §S. Fisher 
Verd R. Mayer 
Herbert S. King 

Rev. Matthew F. Smith 


Among those who served the longest terms as Secretary-Treasurer of 
the Sunday School were the following: Howard M. Foltz, Arthur N. 
Dwyer, John A. Goulding. 


LIST OF SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE PRIMARY DE- 
PARTMENT OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL 1865-1923 


Mrs 
Mrs 
Mrs 


Mrs. 


. James M. Ray 

. Louise Ray Craighead 
. Mary Sharpe Moore 
Benjamin Harrison 


Miss Grettie Y. Holliday 
Mrs. Myron W. Reed 


Mrs. H.' J. Craft 

Mr. Will J. Brown 
Mrs. Thomas C. Day 
Mrs. Henry C. Sickels 
Mrs. David Ross 

Mrs. John C. Perkins 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


427 


ROLL OF MEMBERS 
December 31, 1924 


*Indicates—Died during or since Centennial Year 


Miss Loretta G. Adam 

Dr. and Mrs. H. Alden Adams 
Mr. and Mrs. Will H. Adams 
Miss Magdalene L. Adams 

Miss Fredonia Allen 

Mr. and Mrs. T. Wilson Annabal 
Mr. and Mrs. William A. Applegate 
Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Armstrong 
David Harrison Augustus 


Albert Baker 

Miss Gertrude J. Baker 

Miss Rosemary C. Baker 

Miss Alice Baker 

Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. Baker 
Miss Helen G. Baker 

John L. Baker 

Thaddeus R. Baker 

Mrs. Raymond A. Ballweg 
Mrs. Elizabeth Barclay 

Miss Margaret EH. Barclay 

Mr. and Mrs. John G. Barclay 
Charles H. Barclay 

Miss F. Elizabeth Barclay 
Harold M. Barclay 

Miss Helen M. Barnes 

Mrs. Roscoe Barnes 

*Harvey D. Barrett 

Mrs. Harvey D. Barrett 

Miss Elizabeth Barrett 

Miss Mildred Barrett 

Miss Ruth Barrett 
Mr. and Mrs. James T. Barrett 
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J. Batchelder 
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Bebinger 
Hal T. Benham 

Henry T. Benham 

James MacFarland Benham 
Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert S. Benson 
Mr. and Mrs. Jules P. Bessire 
Mrs. Ruth Lockwood Bieling 
Mrs. Sarah A. Bixby 

Frank H. Blackledge 

*Mrs. Frank H. Blackledge 


Mrs. Perry H. Blue 

Mrs. Boris Bogdanoff 

Mrs. Leo Bolotin 

Mrs. Monte H. Bose 

Mrs. Russell S. Bosart 

Miss Rosemary Bosson 

Mrs. Edward M. Boteler 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Bowen 
Mr. and Mrs. Morse P. Bowen 
Charles L. Bowlin 

Miss Anna Catherine Bowlin 
Mr. and Mrs. A. Smith Bowman 
Dudley Smith Bowman 

Edmund DeLong Bowman 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Bradley 
Mr. and Mrs. Leroy C. Breunig 
William Harris Breunig 

Miss Henrietta Brewer 

Miss Laura Brewer 

Mr. and Mrs. Francis B. Brickley 
Mr. and Mrs. William F. Brien 
John Harold Bright 

*Ernest Bross 

Mrs. Ernest Bross 

Harmon P. Bross 

Austin H. Brown 

Miss Della Brown 

Garvin M. Brown 

Tull E. Brown 

Mrs. William J. Brown 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Bryant 
Mrs. Peter F. Bryce | 

Miss Mary M. Bryce 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Buchanan 
Mr. and Mrs. Lucian W. Bugbee 
James T. Bugbee 

Lucian W. Bugbee, Jr. 

Dr. and Mrs. Louis Burckhardt 
Mrs. Emma J. Burgett 

James W. Burgett 

Mr. and Mrs. Tyree P. Burke 
Miss Elizabeth Adele Burke 
Miss Ella F. Burnham 

Mrs. Horace K. Buskirk 

Mrs. Robert C. Byerly 


428 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Caldwell 
Mr. and Mrs. Clifton R. Cameron 
Miss Bessie Campbell 

J. Frank Cantwell 

Miss Margaret Carlisle 

Miss Doris Carson 

Mr. and Mrs. McMillan Carson 
Mr. and Mrs. B. Howard Caughran 
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander G. Cavins 
Alexander W. Cavins 

Miss Catherine Cavins 

Mrs. Blanche E. Chenoweth 
Robert C. Chenoweth 

*Dr. Wilmer F. Christian 

Mrs. Wilmer F. Christian 

Mr. and Mrs. Leslie D. Clancy 
Mrs. Edmund D. Clark 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Clark 

Miss Ethel Cleland 

Frank J. Cleland 

Miss Jean M. Cochrane 

Charles H. Comstock 

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Cook 

Mrs. Sara S. Cook 

Miss Macy Coughlen 

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Courtright 
Paul W. Covert 

Miss Mary E. Covert 

Robert Covert 

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Crall 

Mrs. Carrie T. Crawford 

*Mrs. Samuel J. Croft 

Mrs. Arnett B. Cronk 

Mrs. Herbert A. Crooke 

Mrs. Neville Crowder 

Gordon Sullivan Crowe 

Mr. and Mrs. James S. Cruse 
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. P. Cunningham 


Mrs. Edward Daniels 

Wylie J. Daniels 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Daniels 
Mrs .Frank Graef Darlington 
James B. Darlington 

Mrs. John H. Darlington 

Mr. and Mrs. Hebeeb T. David 
Miss Alice K. David 

Miss Dorothy David 

Mrs. Anna F. Davis 

Mrs. J. Hout Davis 

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan D. Davis 
Arnold Davis 

Dr. and Mrs. Bert S. Davisson 
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H. Day 
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Day 


Mr. and Mrs. William E. Day 
Mrs. Samuel M. Deal 

Miss Emma Elliott Deal 

Mr. and Mrs. Irvin C. DeHaven 
Mrs. Victor Deitch 

Mr. and Mrs. W. Scott Deming 
Richard Alfred Derry 

Mrs. Ephronia T. Deukmejian 
Fred C. Dickson 

George M. Dickson, Jr. 

*James C. Dickson 

Miss Nora D. Doll 

Curt A. Dolling 

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph M. Doriot 
Miss Marguerite Doriot 

Mrs. Sarah P. Dorsey 

Miss Martha W. Dorsey 

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Dow 
Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Dowling 
Addison M. Dowling 

Alexander S. Dowling 

Miss Cornelia S. Dowling 

Mr. and Mrs. William C. Downing 
Miss Isabe] L. Downing 
Samuel Walker Downing 

Miss Minerva Duckworth 

Bryan C. Dudley 

Mrs. Jacob P. Dunn 

Miss Caroline Dunn 

Miss Eleanor Dunn 

Louis A. Dunnstaedt 

Frederic P. Duesenberg 
*Albertus W. Dwyer 

Mr. and Mrs. Leo T. Dwyer 
Miss Margaret L. Dysart 


Mrs. Caleb S. Eaglesfield 

Miss Helen I. Eaglesfield 

John L. Eaglesfield 

Miss Alice Earsom 

Miss Emily Earsom 

Miss Laura Earsom 

Miss Jean Easton 

Miss Corinne S. Eddy 

Mrs. Eugenia S. Eddy 

Mrs. Cornelia Brown Edmiston 
Mrs. Harvey J. Elam 

John Harvey Elam 

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Elder 
Bowman Elder 

Mrs. Blanche Elmore 

Dr. and Mrs. Charles P. Emerson 
Charles Phillips Emerson 

Miss Phoebe Josephine Emerson 
Miss Geraldine Eppert 


ate Se 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


Marion Eppert 
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Espy 
Miss Ella M. Eurich 


Mr. and Mrs. Albert V. Faris 
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel F. Ferguson 
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene M. Fife 
*Miss Alice Finch 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Finney 
Mr. and Mrs Eugene S. Fisher 
Miss Sara Fisher 

Mr. and Mrs. J. Craig Fisher 
Miss Elizabeth Fisher 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Fisher 
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Fisher 
Grant D. Fitch 

Miss Mildred G. Fitch 

Mrs. Emma Hoagland Fleming 
Mrs. Calvin I. Fletcher 

George B. Folk 

Mr. and Mrs. Edson F. Folsom 
Edwin W. Folsom 

Miss Jane Alice Folsom 

Miss Margaret Folsom 

Miss Mary Folsom 

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert W. Foltz 
Miss Barbara L. Foltz 

Miss Bertina L. Foltz 

Howard Franklin Foltz 
*Howard M. Foltz 

Mrs. Howard M. Foltz 

Miss Hazel Force 

Mr. and Mrs. George C. Forrey, Jr. 
George C. Forrey III 

Miss Sabina Forrey 

Miss Carolyn Malott Forry 
*Mrs. Chapin C. Foster 

Mrs. Robert M. Foster 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Foster 
Miss Mary Edith Foster 

Miss Nellie Frame 

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur I. Franklin 
Eleanor M. Franklin 

Roger C. Franklin 

Miss Ruth E. Franklin 

John W. Friday 

Glenn O. Friermood 

Mrs. Mary A. Fuller 

Miss Alice E. Fuller 

Edward P. Fuller 


Mrs. Estella D. Gabriel 

Mr. and Mrs. R. Karl Galbraith 
Royal L. Gard 

Mr. and Mrs. Edward at Gardner 
James W. Garrison 


429 


Mrs. Willis D. Gatch 

Mr. and Mrs. Horace J. Gault 
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford W. Gay 
Mr. and Mrs. George A. Gay 
Mr. and Mrs. Howard M. Gay 
Mrs. Fred L. Gemmer 

F. Lorenz Gemmer 

Miss Anna Gilgour 

Dr. and Mrs. Steele F. Gilmore 
Miss Margaret Gilmore 

Miss Nellie Gilmore 

Mrs. John A. Goulding 

John R. Goulding 

Mr. and Mrs. Minor S. Goulding 
James Uh! Goulding 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. 
Robert R. Graessle 
Herman B. Gray 

*Davies M. Greene 

Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Greer 
Miss Jane Griffith 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Grubb 
Mr. and Mrs. Frank I. Grubbs 
Miss Anna K. Guenther 

Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Guest 


Graessle 


Mr. and Mrs John F. Habbe 

J. Edwin Habbe 

Paul S. Habbe 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Habbe 
Edwin John Haerle 

Mrs. Sarah L. K. Haines 

Mrs. Klare M. Hall 

Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Hamersley 
*Miss Margaret E. Hamilton 
Mrs. John C. Hamilton 

Mr. and Mrs. Norman B. Hamilton 
Mrs. Lorene H. Hamlet 

Mrs. Hugh H. Hanna 

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh H. Hanna, Jr. 
Miss Alice B. Hanna 

Miss Dorothea McH. Hanna 
Hugh H. Hanna III 

Hervey Bates Harper 

Mr. and Mrs. Howard L. Hartman 
Mary Elizabeth Hartzell 

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Harvey 
Daniel Alfrey Harvey 

Mrs. Eleanor W. Harvey 

Mrs. Sarah A. Harvey 

Anson L. Hassler 

Mr. and Mrs. Fenwell S. Hassler 
Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Hawkins 
Mr. and Mrs. Frank V. Hawkins 
Donald T. Hawkins 


430 


Mrs. Milton Hayworth 

Mrs. Agnes R. Heath 

Miss Mary W. Heath 

Miss Amelia Henderson 
Laurens L. Henderson 

Mrs. Carl S. Hendricks 

Miss Rose KH. Hendricks 
William R. Hendricks 

Mrs. S. Edward Henry 

Miss Anna Lou Henry 

Miss Laura M. Henry 

Mrs. Louise Milligan Herron 
Mr. and Mrs. Harris B. Heylmun 
Lawrence HE. Hess 

Mr. and Mrs. George B. Hill 

Mr. and Mrs. John G. Hill 

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin D. Hitz 
Miss Merica E. Hoagland 

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Hobson 
Miss Wilhelmina Hodde 

Mrs. John H. Holliday 

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Horn 
Robert F. Horn 

William S. Horn 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hornaday 
Mr. and Mrs. George L. Horton 
Dr. and Mrs. David A. House 
Miss Helen L. Houston 

Henry J. Huder 

*Mrs. Henry J. Huder 

Miss Elizabeth K. Huder 

Miss Louise Huder 

Miss Harriet Huder 

Mr. and Mrs. Louis C. Huesmann 
Louis MacDonald Huesmann 
Miss Martha Hunt 

Charles H. Hurd 

Edwin C. Hurd 

Miss Elizabeth Hurd 

Dr. and Mrs. Pau] T. Hurt 
Mrs. Mary B. Hussey 

Mrs. Maria W Hyde 

Harlow Hyde, Jr. 

Mrs. Helen Hynes 


Benjamin R. Inman 

Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Inman 
Gilbert P. Inman 

Dr. Gustavus B. Jackson 

Mrs. George O. Jackson 

Mrs. Ovid B. Jameson 

Booth T. Jameson 

Mr. and Mrs. Donald O. Jameson 
*Volney D. Jenks 

Mrs. Volney D. Jenks 


CENTENNIAL 


MEMORIAL 


Mr. and Mrs. Otto H. Jensen 
*Mrs. Olive John 

Paul R. John, Jr. 

Walter F. Johnson 

Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Johnson 
Miss Joan Pratt Johnson 
Miss Ruth Pratt Johnson 
William Averill Johnson 
Mrs. George W. Johnston 
Miss Florence Lisle Jones 
Mrs. Oscar A. Jose 

Mrs. Frederick A. Joss 


Oscar Marion Kaelin, Jr. 

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Kalleen 
Frank G. Kamps III 

Frank Daniel Kennedy 

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Kennedy 
Miss Frances Kennedy 

Dr. and Mrs. William H. Kennedy 
Miss Lillian Kern 

Miss Helen L. Kerr 

Miss Flora MacDonald Ketcham 
Donald James King 

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick I. King 
Howard A. King 

Miss Miriam King 

Mr. and Mrs. G. Ray King 

Ellis A. King 

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert S. King 
Miss Barbara King 

Miss Elizabeth King 

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel D. Kingsbury 
Miss Sarah L. Kirlin 

Mrs. William Burrette Kitchen 
John Milton Kitchen 

Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Kleinsmith 
Mr. and Mrs. George V. Klimes 
Mrs. H. C. Knode 

Mrs. Laura Mae Blue Koehne 
Mrs. John A. Kolmer 

Mrs. Charles P. Kottlowski 


Mrs. William B. Lane, Jr. 

Miss Mildred Lane 

Mr. and Mrs. V. Howard Larsen 
Mrs. Justine S. LaRue 

Mr. and Mrs. Clinton D. Lasher 
Mrs. Henry L. Latham 

Miss Florence Latham 

Miss Helen Law 

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel W. Layman 
*James T. Layman 

Mrs. James T. Layman 

Mr. and Mrs. J. Thompson Layman 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


Miss Isabelle Layman 

Miss Marian P. Layman 

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore D. Layman 
Miss Hallie Caroline Leach 

Miss Helen Catherine Leach 
Miss Justine Leach 

John T. Lecklider 

*Mrs. John T. Lecklider 

*Mrs. Fannie M. Lee 

Miss Anna F. Lee 

Mrs. William H. Lee 

Mrs. H. R. Leffel 

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Leib 
Mrs. Ralph A. Lemcke 

Miss Cornelia Lemcke 

Ralph A. Lemcke, Jr. 

Mr. and Mrs. George E. Lemmon 
Alexander McCrea Lemmon 
Merrill K. Lemmon 

Mr. and Mrs. U. S. Lesh 

Mrs. J. Edwin Lewis 

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Lilly 
Mrs. Minnie B. Link 

Mr. and Mrs. W. Kemper Lippert 
John B. Little 

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson S. Lloyd 
Miss Blanche M. Lloyd 

Mr. and Mrs. Virgil H. Lockwood 
Miss Grace Lockwood 

Ralph G. Lockwood 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Lotshar 
Mrs. Lelia H. Lovelle 

Mrs. Clark S. Lycan 


Mrs. Annie S. McCabe 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. McClure 
Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. McColley 
Mr. and Mrs. Clair McConnell 
Mr. and Mrs. George C. McConnell 
Mr. and Mrs. J. Harry McConnell 
Miss Mary McConnell 

Mr. and Mrs. James H. McConnell 
Miss Maud E. McConnell 

Mr. and Mrs. Rich’d B. McChrystal 
Mrs. Jennie McChrystal 

Chalmers L. McGaughey 

Mr. and Mrs. Walter McDougall 
D. Keith McDougall 

Miss Helen Jean McDougall 
Kenneth McDougall 

John McGiffin 

Miss Bertha E. McGillivray 
Martin V. McGilliard 

*Mrs. Martin V. McGilliard 

Mrs. James A. McGrevy 


431 


Miss Frances S. Macmillan 
Miss Mary H. MacArdle 

Dr. and Mrs. John A. MacDonald 
Mrs. Humphrey A. McDonald 
Mrs. R. M. McKinstray 

Mrs. R. Ward Macey 

Mrs. Lurenah Magel 

Miss Anna Magel 

Miss Mary P. Magel 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Malloch 
Miss Ethel L. Malloch 

Miss Roberta Ann Malloch 

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Marshall 
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Martindale 
Miss Emma Martindale 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred’k A. K. Marx 
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Mayer 
Mr. and Mrs. Verd R. Mayer 
Mrs. Walter R. Mayer 

Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Mayo 
Miss Virginia Mayo 

Mr. and Mrs. Otto H. Mengering 
Mrs. Charles W. Merrill 

Mrs. Albert C. Metcalf 

Harold B. Metcalf 

Mrs. Harriet C. Milford 

Mrs. Charles Miller 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Miller 
Miss Charlotte Miller 

Mr. and Mrs. James Miller 

Mr. and Mrs. Omer L. Miller 
Mr. and Mrs. Owen L. Miller 
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel D. Miller 
*Mrs. W. H. H. Miller 

Mrs. H. J. Milligan 

Mrs. Frank M. Millikan 
Clarence Misenhimer 

Mrs. Edward L. Mitchell 

Mrs. Glenn Mitchel] 

Dr. and Mrs. James H. Moag 
James Cameron Moag 

Dr. and Mrs. Virgil H. Moon 
Mrs. George H. Moore 

Mrs. Josephine S. Moore 

Mrs. Harry A. Moran 

William M. Morgan 

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Morrow 
Mrs. Mary E. Morse 

Robert Foster Morrison 

Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Mortsolf 
Mr. and Mrs. Kent M. Mosiman 


Lieutenant George A. Naylor 
Miss Alice Newell 
Mrs. Wm. Henry Newman 


432 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Mr. and Mrs. Philip Niccum 
Miss May L. Nichol 

Mrs. MacDonald Nixon 

Miss Elizabeth B. Noel 


Mr. and Mrs. Mansur B. Oakes 
Miss Barbara Oakes 

Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. O’Brien 
Mr. and Mrs Henry S. O’Brien 
Miss Beulah O’Brien 

Miss Dorothy O’Brien 

Miss Nora L. O’Brien 

James H. O’Brien 

Mr. and Mrs. James H. O’Brien 
Miss Ebba S. Odin 

Dr. and Mrs. Ross C. Ottinger 
Mrs. Laura J. Owen 


Mrs. Hugo O. Pantzer 

Mrs. Wilson B. Parker 

Glenn W. Parrish 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Pattison 
Coleman B. Pattison 

Edgar Y. Pattison 

Absalom T. Peara 

William T. Peacock 

Robert H. Peacock 

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Perkins 
John E. Perkins 

William C. Perkins 

Mrs. Ella R. Peter 

Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Petri 
Louis Pfafflin 

Mr. and Mrs. Pierre A. Philblad 
George E. Pierce 

Miss Eleanor Pierle 

Miss Nettie Pierle 

Mr. and Mrs. Waldo E. Pierson 
Miss Dorothy Pierson 

Richard Allen Pierson 

Thomas Corwin Pierson 

Mr. and Mrs. William R. Poland 
Mrs. Isabella Mary Pottage 
Miss Maybelle Pottage 

Miss Maye Poulter 

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor C. Power 
Alan Power 

Mrs. David T. Praigg 

Mrs. George EH. Prince 

Mr. and Mrs. Byron F. Prunk 
Miss Helen Prunk 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Prunk 


Glenn B. Ralston 
Col. and Mrs. H. B. Ramey 
Miss Charlotte Ramey 


Miss Pearl Randall 

Miss Jean Rankin 

Miss Rose Rankin 

Mrs. Ruth Schrader Ray 

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh L. Raynor 
Miss Ada L. Redman 

*Miss Lorena Reed 

Mrs. Mary E. Remster 

Mr. and Mrs. Francis A. Ribecca 
Miss Italia Anna Ribecca 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Rice 
Mrs. D. A. Rice 

Miss Mabel Richards 


~ Mr. and Mrs. N. H. Richardson 


Miss Virginia I. Riddell 

Mrs. Joseph R. Roach 

Miss Dorothy Robbins 

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Rohbach 
Dr. Charles W. Roller 

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew W. Ross 
Dr. and Mrs David Ross 
Andrew Franklin Ross 

Mrs. Morris Ross 

Mrs. George G. Rowland 

John Eugene Rowland 

Mr. and Mrs. Alvah J. Rucker 
Miss Dorothy Anne Rucker 
Mr. and Mrs. Almus G. Ruddell 
James H. Ruddell 

Warren Tucker Ruddell 


Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Sabin 
Miss Amelia G. Sanborn 

Miss Helen Sauer 

Miss Nancy Sawyer 

William E. Sayer 

Mr. and Mrs. Ivan F. Schaeffer 
Miss Dorothy E. Schaeffer 
William O. Schilke 

Mrs. Logan C. Scholl 

Miss Ruth Cosette Scholl 
Wayne Schrader 

Miss Eliza Scott 

Miss Harriet W. Scott 

Walter P. Scott 

Mrs. Emma W. Scott 

John Miller Scott, Jr. 

William H. Scott 

Miss Genevieve Scoville 

Mrs. Belle S. Seiner 

Mr. and Mrs. Carl R. Semans 
Miss Margaret Eleanor Semans 
Miss Helen Louise Seress 

Dr. Kenosha Sessions 

Mrs. Julia David Shaheen 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 433 


Mrs. Albert H. Shaneberger 
Miss Gertrude M. Shields 

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Shriver 
Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Sickels 
Miss Evelyn Ray Sickels 

Ralph Gordon Sickels 

Miss Anna Sickels 

Miss Catherine A. Sickels 
Miss Lucia H. Sickels 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Simpson 
Samuel William Simpson 

Mrs. Mary E. Sisson 

Frank T. Sisson 

Frederick P. Sisson 

Miss Sarah Sisson 

*Miss Eleanor S. Skillen 

Miss Jean C. Skillen 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Smith 
C. Cortland Smith 

Firth Smith 

Milam Smith 

Miss Eleanor L. Smith 

Miss Julia G. Smith 

Miss Natalie L. Smith 

Dr. Martha J. Smith 

Mrs. Martha H. Smith 

Miss Martha Elizabeth Smith 
Mrs. John H. Smith 

Mrs. Matthew F. Smith 

Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. O. Speers 
Miss Catherine Anne Speers 
Mr. and Mrs. Brower C. Spransy 
Mrs. William H. Stafford 

Miss Edith Anne Stafford 
William Holloway Stafford 
Mrs. Herbert R. Stanley 

Mrs. Charles S. Stone 

Mrs. Merrit F. Strahan 

Mrs. Lucy Stewart 

Mrs. Hugene EH. Stuart 

Lazo Stoicheff 

Mrs. Margaret R. Sullivan 
Miss Eunice E. Sullivan 

Miss Harriet E. Sullivan 

*Mrs. John A. Sutcliffe 

Mrs. Sarah J. Swain 

Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Sydenstricker 


Mrs. Alexander L. Taggart, Jr. 
Dr. and Mrs. John H. Talbott 
Mrs. Booth Tarkington 

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer E. Taylor 
Clyde Taylor 

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac B. Taylor 
Dr. and Mrs. James H. Taylor 


John M. Taylor 

Miss Margaret A. Taylor 

Mrs. Annette P. Thacher 

Mrs. Martha Thomas 

Miss Nora Thomas 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Thompson 
Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson 

Mrs. Mary A. Thompson 

Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Thompson 
Alan Thompson 

Blake Edward Thompson 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Thomson 
Miss Annetta J. Thomson 

John Philip Thomson 

Miss Myrta K. Thomson 

Dr. and Mrs. William E. Tinney 
Alice Hannah Tinney 

Claudia Maone Tinney 

Mr. and Mrs. J.. Voris Tobin 
Miss Marie C. Todd 

Mr. and Mrs. James H. Tomlin 
Andrew Tomlin 

Mr. and Mrs. Meenas Tootikian 
Miss Grace Tootikian 

Karren H. Tootikian 

Miss Lavalette N. Tootikian 
Levon Ara Tootikian 

Mr. and Mrs. Joel T. Traylor 
Charles M: Traylor 

Miss Mary Edith Turck 

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence M. Turner 
Miss Grace Turner 

Charles E. Tuttle 

Mrs. Ella B.. Twomey 


William A. Umphrey 


Mrs. Anna VanArman 

Miss Anna Virginia VanArman 
S. B. Van Arsdale 

Mrs. Henry L. Van Hoff 

Mrs. R. M. Van Stone 

Mrs. Bertha Julia Vedder 

Mrs. Russell P. Veit 

Miss Alice Velsey 

Miss Jean Velsey 

Seth M. Velsey 

Peter V. Voris 

Miss Kate Voris 

Miss Mabel Voris 

Mr. and Mrs. William C. Voris 


John Waddle 
Mrs. James W. Walker 
Mrs. Helen O’Brien Walls 


434 


Mrs. George W. Warmoth 

Miss Helen Louise Warmoth 
Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. Weaver 
Dr. and Mrs. H. H. Weer 
Hillard L. Weer 

Paul W. Weer 

Percy H. Weer 

Mr. and Mrs.. Walter A. Weideley 
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin C. Weir 
Lowell Weir 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Weir 
Mr. and Mrs. Leander L. Weir 
Miss Grace Weidner 

Mrs. Lewis Weisenburger 

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin R. Werngren 
Miss Lillian Weyl 

Mrs. Sarah H. Wiggins 

Howard Wiggins 

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Wild 
Forrey N. Wild 

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Wild, Jr. 
Mrs. Cora Young Wiles 

Albert Donald Wiles 

Ernest H. Wiles 

Miss Eva Y. Wiles 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Wiles 
Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Williams 
Miss Dell I. Williams 

Irving Williams 

Mr. and Mrs. Myron R. Williams 
Miss Katherine Williams 

Mrs. Martha KE. Williamson 

Mrs. Zetta Williamson 

Robert M. Williamson 

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. C. Williamson 


CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Mrs. Laura D. Wilson 
Medford B. Wilson 

Mrs. Willetta Wilson 

Mary Alice Wilson 

Mrs. Lyda T. Windate 

Mrs. Ferdinand Winter 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Wise 
Dr. and Mrs. William N. Wishard 
Charles Scoville Wishard 
William Niles Wishard 

Mrs. Walter G. Witt 

Mr. and Mrs John N. Wolf 
Miss Anna Wolf 

Miss Eleanor M. Wolf 

Mr. and Mrs. Clyde W. Wolfe 
Miss Kathryne Maxine Wolfe 
Mrs. Bettie D. Woods 

Mr. and Mrs. Evans Woollen 
Evans Woollen, Jr. 

Mrs. William Watson Woollen 
Miss Mary Workman 

Burrell Wright 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wright 
Miss Lelah M. Wright 
MacLaren Wright 

Dr. J. William Wright 


Miss Beatrice S. Yates 

Miss Jean Bowen Yates 

Bashko Yovan 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Yoke 
Col. and Mrs. William G. Young 
Mrs. Mary C. Youngs 


Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Zirpel 
Mr. and Mrs. William R. Zulich 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 


435 


MEMBERS RECEIVED FEBRUARY 15, 1925 


Mr. and Mrs. Lyle E. Barnes 
Miss Alice Helen Batchelder 
William C. Bottomley 

Mrs. Charles M. Bundy 

Mrs. Alexander C. Byerly 


Mr. and Mrs. John R. Caldow 
Miss Harriet Deer 

Mrs. Harry James Doyle 
Miss Velma Lee Duncan 


James Perry Emerson 
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence W. Emshoff 


Mr. and Mrs. Maurice D. Fields 
Fred R. Fleming 


Milton Hayworth 
Mr. and Mrs. Albert K. Holmes 
Miss Norma Jane Holly 


Mrs. Elizabeth R. Jones 
Paul R. Jones 


Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Lycan 


Charles Ross Mayer 
Stuart L. McKnight 


Miss Inez Sara McNees 
Miss Dorothy Meicalf 


Mr. and Mrs. Louie H. Oberreich 
Miss Evalyn Elizabeth Oberreich 
Richard Hunt Oberreich 
Robert Louie Oberreich 


Mr. and Mrs. David D. Pence 


Mr. and Mrs. Dayle C. Rowland 
Stanley Lewis Rowland 


Mrs. Elmer E. Scott 
Frank H. Sherer 
Robert M. Sherer 
George Richard Smith 
Robert Matthew Smith 


Murray Henry Talbott 
Mr. and Mrs. James Ray Thomas 
Miss Marabeth Thomas 


Mr. and Mrs. Fred N. Vance 
Mrs. Iva L. Vigus 

Miss Hsther Vigus 

Miss Virginia Vigus 


George Alexander Warmoth 
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Weddell 
Mrs. Arthur L. Wright 


*Program of First Fourth of July Celebration, Indianapolis, 1822: 
“In 1822, the citizens met at Hawkins’ tavern on June 17, and made 
arrangements for a public [Fourth of July] celebration on the Military 
Reserve, which then extended south to Washington street as well as 
including the present Military Park. The celebration opened with a 
sermon from Rev. John McClung from the text, ‘Righteousness exalteth 
a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people’; which was followed by 
a brief speech and the reading of the Declaration of Independence by 
Judge Wick, Washington’s Inaugural Address by Squire Obed Foote, 
Washington’s Farewell Address by John Hawkins, and a prayer and 
benediction by Rev. Robert Brenton. Then followed a dinner, the cen- 
tral feature of which was a barbecued buck that had been killed the day 
before by Robert Harding, with patriotic toasts. * * * The toasts, 
fourteen in number, were written by Calvin Fletcher, the last one being, 
‘Indianapolis—may it not prove itself unworthy the honor the state has 
conferred upon it by making it her seat of government.’” (From 
Dunn’s History of Indianapolis.) 


A SIXTEENTH CENTURY MARTYRDOM 


[The following narrative of the sixteenth century exemplifies the 
martyr spirit of the age. Isaac Coe was a descendant of Roger Coo and, 
together with the other fathers of our church, proved his zeal for the 
faith, for which the martyrs died, by aiding in the promotion at home 
and abroad of the missionary operations of his time. Throughout our 
history, there have been among the members conspicuous examples of 
the survival of the spirit of self-sacrifice. We pay special tribute to 
Miss Grettie Y. Holliday, to Dr. Oliver T. Logan, and to all who have 
offered themselvés for the mission field. “Faith of our fathers, living 
still!” In every age since the beginning of the Christian era, unnum- 
bered faithful ones have been willing to die for their religious convic- 
tions, and now, as ever,—‘‘The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the 
Church.’’] 


The Martyrdom of Roger Coo, of Melford, in Suffolk [Eng- 
land], shearman, first examined before the bishop of Norwich, and 
by him condemned, August 12th, 1555. (From Fox’s Book of 
Martyr’s, Vol. 2, Page 320, printed by Nuttall, Fisher and Dixon, 
19 Duke Street, Liverpool, 1807.) 


Roger Coo brought before the bishop, first was asked why he 
was imprisoned? 

Coo. At the justice’s commandment. 

Bishop. There was some cause why. 

Coo. Here is my accuser, let him declare. 

And his accuser said, that he would not receive the sacrament. 
Then said the bishop that he thought he had transgressed a law. 

But Coo answered, that there was no law to transgress. 

The bishop then asked, what he said to the law that then was? 

He answered how he had been in prison a long time, and knew 
him not. 

No, (said his accuser,) nor will not. My lord, ask him when he 
received the sacrament. | 

When Coo heard him say so, he said, I pray you, my lord, let 
him sit down and examine me himself. But the bishop would not 
hear that, but said, Coo, why will ye not receive? 

He answered him, that the bishop of Rome had changed God’s 
ordinances, and given the people bread and wine instead of the 
gospel, and the belief of the same. 

Bishop. How prove you that? 


436 


First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 437 


Coo. Our Saviour said, My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood 
is drink indeed: he that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, 
abideth in me, and I wn him; and the bread and wine doth not so. 


Bishop. Well, Coo, thou dost slander our holy fathers. Did 
not Christ take bread, give thanks, and brake it, and said, This is 
my body? 


Coo. Yes;and so he went further with the text, saying, Which 
shall be given for you: do this in remembrance of me. 


Bishop. You have said the truth. 


Then Coo replied further, and said, Christ willed to do this in 
remembrance of him, and not to say this in remembrance of him; 
neither did the Holy Ghost so lead the apostles, but taught them 
to give thanks, and to break bread from house to house, and not 
to say as the bishop said. 


Bishop. How prove you that? 
Coo. It is written in the 2d of the Acts. 
Then the bishop’s chaplain said it was true. 


The Bishop asked him if he could say his Belief? He answered, 
Yea; and so said part of the Creed, and then after he said he be- 
lieved more, for he believed the Ten Commandments; that it was 
meet for all such as looked to be saved to be obedient unto them. 


Bishop. 1s not the holy church to be believed also?—Coo. Yes, 
if it be builded upon the word of God. 


The bishop said to Coo, that he had the charge of his soul. 


Coo. Have ye so, my lord? Then, if ye go to the devil for 
your sins, where shall I be? 


Bishop. Do you not believe as your father did? Was not he 
an honest man? 


438 CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 


Coo. It is written, that after Christ hath suffered, there shall 
come a people with the prince that shall destroy both city and 
sanctuary: I pray you show me whether this destruction was in 
my father’s time, or now? 


The bishop not answering his question, asked him whether he 
would not obey the king’s laws? 


Coo. As far as they agree with the word of God, I will obey 
them. 


Bishop. Whether they agree with the word of God or not, we 
be bound to obey them, if the king were an infidel. 


Coo. If Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, had so done, 
Nebuchadnezzar had not confessed the living God. 


Then the bishop told him, that these twenty-two years we have 
been governed with such kings. 


Coo. My lord, why were ye then dumb, and did not speak or 
bark? 


Bishop. I durst not for fear of death. And thus they ended. 

But after this done, it was reported that I railed; wherefore 
I called it to memory, and wrote this my railing, that light should 
not be taken for darkness, nor sin for holiness, and the devil 
for God, who ought to be feared and honoured both now and ever, 
Amen. 


CENTENNIAL MEMORIAL 439 


This Roger Coo, an aged father, after his sundry troubles and 
conflicts with his adversaries, at length was committed to the fire 
at Yexford, [now Yoxford]|, in the county of Suffolk, where he 
most blessedly ended his aged years, anno 1595, in the month of 
September. 


‘‘Faith of our fathers! living still, 

In spite of dungeon, fire and sword, 
O how our hearts beat high with joy 
Whene’er we hear that glorious word: 
Faith of our fathers, holy faith! 

We will be true to Thee till death. 


‘‘Our fathers, chained in prisons dark, 
Were still in heart and conscience free 
And blest would be their children’s fate 
If they, like them, should die for thee: 
Faith of our fathers, holy faith! 
We will be true to Thee till death. 


‘‘Faith of our fathers! God’s great power 
Shall win all nations unto thee; 

And through the truth that comes from God 
Mankind shall then indeed be free: 

Faith of our Fathers, holy faith! 

We will be true to thee till death. 


‘*Faith of our fathers! we will love 
Both friend and foe in all our strife, 
And preach thee, too, as love knows how 
By kindly words and virtuous life: 
Faith of our fathers, holy faith! 
We will be true to thee till death.”’ 





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INDEX 


Academy, The Indianapolis, 22, 23, 
60, 126, 127, 408 

Adams, Mrs. James Osgood (Em- 
ma H.), 10, 300 

Adams, Mrs. Will H., 115 

Allison, Rev. Geo. Wm., 34 

American Sabbath School Union, 
qi talo 

Americanization of Foreigners, 412 

Assembly, General, (135th), 10, 102 

Auxiliary, Woman’s, 115 

Axtell, Rev. Charles, 54, 133, 195, 
198, 243, 271 

Axtell School, 61, 409 


Bacon, Hiram, 49, 69, 71, 363 

Bacon, Mary Alice, 69, 70 

Baker, Albert, 41, 91, 156, 176, 423 

Baker, Governor Conrad, 176 

Baker, Miss Gertrude J., 114 

Baker, Mary, 303 

Baptist Church, First, 51, 104 

Baptist Sunday School, 213 

Basye, Lismund, 208 

Bayliss, D. D., Rev. J. H., 239 

Beecher, D. D., Rev. Henry Ward, 
50, 190, 204, 421 

Benham, Asahel M., 146 

Bible School, The, 183 

Bigger, Governor Samuel, 132, 192, 
271 

Biggs, Mrs. Wm. P., 181 

Bird, Professor F. D., 59 

Blackledge, Frank Harris, 95 

Blake, James, 23, 45, 51, 81, 86, 96, 
129, 186, 204, 353 

Blake, Mrs. James, 87, 129 

Blythe, Benjamin, 199, 209 

Boice, Augustin, 162 

Bowman, A. Smith, 183 

Bradley, Henry, 211 

Bradt, D. D., Rev. Charles E., 60 

Brandon, George S., 133 

Breunig, Leroy C., 183, 424 

Brickley, Francis B., 183, 424 


441 


Brookes, D. D., Rev. James H., 282 

Brown, Miss Della, 413 

Brown, John G., 85, 128, 191, 319 

Brown, Mrs. John G., 87 

Brown, James W., 145, 281 

Brown, Thomas, 55, 230 

Browning, Robert, 144, 199, 281 

has D. D., Rev. William E., 10, 

Bugbee, Jr., Lucian W., 120 

Burgess, Dr., Caleb C., 39, 156 

Burgess, Mrs. Caleb C., 38, 65, 111 

Burke, Tyree P., 120 

Bush, Rev. George, 188, 265, 288, 
308, 322 to 366 

Byerly, Rev. Robert C., 110 


Carson D. D., Rev. William, 53 

Cavins, Alex. G., 183 

Centennial Bazaar, 98 

Centennial Concert, 100 

Centennial Gifts, 97 

Chicago, First Presbyterian 
Church, 79 

Christ Episcopal Church, 50 

Christian Endeavor, 118 

Christian, Mrs. Wilmer F., 97 

Christian Reformed Sunday 
School, 213 

Church Letter, (1821), 418 

Circular Letter—1845 (Sabbath 
Observance), 419 

Cleland, D. D., Rev. Thomas, 43, 44 
83, 293 

Coburn, General John, 240 

Coe, Rev. Henry Isaac, 54, 70, 128 

Coe, Dr. Isaac, 9, 25, 43, 45, 75, 84, 
96, 107, 122, 186, 197, 207, 261, 
283, opp. 302, 305, 336 

Coe, Mrs. Isaac (Rebecca), 
375, 406 

Coe, Orris K., 167 

reer: Martyrdom of Roger, 


303, 


Conner, John and William, 47 


442, 


Cosmopolitan Mission, The, 413 

Craig, William E., 51, 148, 279 

Crall, John H., 183 

Cruft, Miss Sarah R., 73 

Cruse, James S., 120 

Culbertson, Joseph, 69, 70 

Culbertson, William, 68 

Cunningham, D. D., Rev. Thomas 
M., 198, 276 


Daniels, Edward, 41 

Day, Dwight H., 10, 59 

Day, Rev. Ezra H., 264, 304 

Day, Thomas C., 38, 159, 178, 183 

Day, Mrs. Thomas C., 413, 426 

Day, William E., 183 

Deacons, List of, 183, 424 

Defenders, Roll of Our, 
War), 95 

Dickey, Rev. John M., 363, 377 

Dixon, D. D., Rev. John, 10, 54, 59 

Dowling, Henry M., 96, 164, 423 

Duke, Jane, 303 

Dunn, Jacob P., 7, 78, 80, 167, 288, 

292, 295, 408, 409, 414, 415 
Dunn, Mrs. Jacob P., 57, 184 
Dwyer, Arthur N., 163, 426 


(World 


Edson, D. D, Rev Hanford A., 44, 
15 

Education, First Church and, 60, 61, 
407 

Elder, John, 192, 258, 271 

Elder, Mrs. John R., 66 

Elder, William L., 120 

Elders, List of First Church, 423 

Emerson, Dr. Charles P., 164 

Emerson, Mrs. Charles P., 97, 120 

English Lutheran S. S., 213 

Episcopalian Sunday School, 213 

Espy, George, 192, 193 


Fifth Presbyterian Church, 
man), 198, 277 

Finch, Judge Fabius M., 47, 303 

Finch, Mrs. Fabius M., 67 

First Presbyterian Church: 
Auxiliary, Woman’s, 115 
Bible School, The, 183 
Building, 1st, 186, 258, 260, 264, 

opp. 302, 305 

Christian Endeavor, 118 
Colonies, 1st Ch., 49-53 
Deacons, List of, 183, 424 
Defenders, Roll of our, 95 


(Ger- 


INDEX 


Elders, List of, 423 
First Church and Education, 60, 
61, 407 
Library, First Church, 306, 407 
Library, ‘First S. S., 261, 407 
Men’s Club, 118 
Members, List of, 427-435 
Ministers, List of, 422 
Ministry, Members Who Have 
Entered the, 54 
Missionaries, Ist Ch., 55-60 
Missionary Committee, Gen’l, 184 
Missionary Society, Woman’s, 111 
- Missionary Society, Young 
Woman’s, 114 
Officers and Organizations, 183, 
184 
Organization of First Church, 
303, 382, 400 
Parish House Committee, 119 
Sabbath School, Origin of First 
Church, 205, 237 
Sabbath School, 
(1872), 222 
Sabbath School Secretaries and 
Treasurers, 426 
Sabbath School Supts., 426 
Session, Minutes of, 303 to 376 
Treasurers, List of Church, 426 
Trustees, List of, 183, 425 
Westminster Guild, 115 
Fisher, Eugene S., 424 
Fisher, Mrs. Eugene S., 183 
Fletcher, Calvin, 200, 204, 279 
Fletcher, Mrs Calvin, 212 
Fletcher, Rev. J. Cooley 54, 60, 284 
Folsom, Miss Mary, 120 
Foltz, Herbert W., 98 
Foltz, Howard M., 426 
Foltz, Mrs. Howard M., 57 
Foster, Chapin C., 39, 51, 147, 178 
Foster, Mrs Chapin C. 13 
Foudray, M., 212 
Fourth of July (first celebration, 
1822), 21, 435; celebration, 
(1829) 254, 255, (1846) 257 
Frazer, Alex., 303 
Frazer, Margaret, 303 
Fulton, Rev. Samuel, 192, 269 


First Church 


Gaines, Rev. Ludwell G., 45, 186, 
262 

Gilmore, Dr. Steele F., 183 

Goodwin, D. D., Rev. Thomas A., 
60 


INDEX 


Goudy, C. (M. D.), 249 

Goulding, John A., 426 

Goulding, Minor S., 183 

Greene, Davies M., 55, 183, 287 

Greene, Rev. James, 50, 54, 232, 
262, 286 

Greene, Mrs. James, 67 

Greer, Mrs. Edward H., 97 

Gregg, Harvey, 208 

Guest, Mr. J. Martin, 183 

Gurley, Rev. Melville B., 10, 300 

Gurley, D. D., Rev. Phineas D., 72, 
192, 194, 269, 297, 421 

Gurley, Mrs. Phineas D., 253 


Habbe, John F., 53, 165 

Habbe, Richard H., 183 

Haines, D. D., Rev. Matthias L., 
15,525, °27, 41,42; /1056,°:106;) 176, 
177, 180, 411 

Haines, Mrs. Matthias L., 41, 181 

Hanna, Misses Dorothea and Alice, 
96 

Hanna, Hugh H., 53, 60, 156, 178 

Hanna, Mrs. Hugh H., 13 

Hanna, Jr., Mrs. Hugh H., 115 

Hanover College, 61 

Harper, D. D., Rev. Robert D., 280 

Harrison, Mrs. Alfred, 66 

Harrison, Benjamin, 53, 140, 177, 
178, 197, 243, 284, 423 

Harrison, Mrs. Benjamin, 66, 426 

Harrison, William Henry, 44 

Hartzell, Rev. Jacob L., 109 

Hawkins, John, 208 

Hay, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. L. G., 56, 
231, 284 

Hayes, Isaac C., 146 

Hays, D. D., Rev. Calvin C., 104 

Herriott, George F., 150 

Higginson, Rev. John, 20 

Holliday, Miss Grettie Y., 56, 109, 
113, 426 

Holliday, John H., 60, 81, 96, 153, 
176, 177, 178, 286, 412, 423 

Holliday, Mrs. John H., 138, 64, 97, 
ait 

Holliday, Jr., John H., 65, 95, 425 

Holliday, D. D., Rev. William A., 
54 202, 284 

Holliday, Sr., Rev. Wm. A., 54, 189, 
267 

Holliday, Sr., Mrs. William A., 
(Lucia S.), 65, 418 

Holloway, William R., 168 


443 


Home Presbyterian Church, 53 
Horkey, Joseph, 413 

Howland, Louis, 30 

Huesmann, Louis C., 120, 166 
Hughes, Reginald W., 95 
Hunter, D. D., Rev. Rice V., 52 
Hussey, Mrs. John R., 13 

Hyde, Harlow, 96 


Immigrants’ Aid Asso., The, 412 

Indiana State Sabbath School 
Union, 221 

Indiana University, 61 

Irvington Presbyterian Church, 52 


Jenks, Volney D., 183 

Jennings, Governor Jonathan, 47 
Johnson, Mrs. Everett C., 100 
Johnson, John, 49, 69, 85, 128, 319 
Johnson, Wilbur, 120, 183 
Johnston, Mrs. William W., 66 
Jones, Mrs. Flora C., 67 


Kemper, Rev. James, 54, 284 

Ketcham, Miss Flora McD., 57, 114 

Ketcham, Mrs. Jane Merrill, 47, 
260 

Kimberly, Isabella, 303 

Kimberly, Mary Ann, 304, 

King, Herbert S., 120, 425, 426 

Kistler, D. D., Rev. Edward H., 102 

Kolmer, Dr. John A., 164 

Kumler, D. D., Rev. J. P. E., 227, 
281, 300 

Kumler, Mrs, J. P. E., 111, 302 


Larsen, V. Howard, 120 

Latham, Charles, 162, 178 
Latham, Mrs. William H., 66 
Layman, Dr. Daniel W., 183 
Lecklider, John T., 98, 426 
Letters, Early, 417-421 

Library, lst Pres. Church, 306, 407 
Library, Union S. S., 210, 261, 407 
Lilly, James W., 120, 164, 178, 423 
Lively, Cheney, 87, 318 
Lockwood, Mr. and Mrs. V. H., 97 
Logan, Dr. Oliver T., 57 

Long, Henry C., 61, 411 


McCarty, Nicholas, 187, 264 

McClung, D. D., Rev. John A, 
196, 272, 295 

McConnell, James H., 166 

McConnell, J. Harry, 183 


444 


McCulloch, Rev. Oscar C., 167, 172 

MacDonald, Mrs. John A., (Julia 
H.), 114, 181 

McGilliard, M. V., 52 

Mclivain, Judge, 187, 204 

MaclIntire, Thomas, 138, 197, 199, 
Zila 2to 

MaclIntire Mrs. Thomas, 66 

McKee, Robert S., 40, 151 

McKelvy, Mrs. William M., 10 

McKennan, Rev. James W., 189, 
268 

McKinney, Miss Georgia, 113 

McLean Seminary, 61, 409 

McLene, Jeremiah, 144, 199 

McMaster, D. D., Rev. E. D., 193 

McOuat, Thomas, 224, 225, 249 

Maguire, Douglas, 209 

Malloch, Robert B., 166, 423 

Marshall, Thomas R., 103, 155 

Martin, Rev. William, 187, 264, 304, 
381 

Martindale, Charles, 426 

Martindale, Judge Elijah B., 168, 
178, 226, 284, 425 

Martindale, Mrs. Elijah B., 66 

Mayer, Charles W., 53, 164 

Mayer, Verd R., 183, 424 

Members, List of 1st Ch., 427-435 

Men’s Club, 118 

Meridian Heights Presbyterian 
Church, 53 

Mermod, Mrs. Minnie Jewell, 10 

Merrill, Samuel, 190, 212, 214, 244, 
253, 269, 414 

Miller, W. H. H., 40, 151, 168, 423 

Milligan, Harry J., 41, 61, 176, 178, 
410 

Milligan, Mrs. Harry J., 120 

Mills, Rev. Charles S., 195, 271 

Milner, Rev. Jean S., 11, 102 

Ministers, List of Ist Ch., 422 

Ministry, Members Who Have En- 
tered the, 54 

Missionary Committee, Gen’l., 184 

Missionary Society, Woman’s, 111 

Missionary Society, Young 
Woman’s, 114 

Mitchell, Mrs. Harold H., (Mary 
Holliday), 115 

Moore, Mrs. Mary S., 426 

Moores, Mrs. Julia M., 258 

Moreland, Rev. John R., 49, 69, 82, 
88, 89, 90, 189, 251, 267, 292, 306, 
362, 417 


INDEX 


Moreland, Mrs. John R., 373 
Morris, Austin W., 212 

Morris, Judge B. F., 188, 253 
Mothers’ Meetings, 64 

Mount, Governor James A., 160 


Nesbit, Agnes McClintock, 68 

Nesbit, John, 49, 68, 70 

phe oases Horatio C., 51, 134, 195, 
71 

Ninth Presbyterian Church, 281 

Nixon, D. D., Rev. J. Howard, 185, 
199, 277, 280 

Noel, M., 212 

Nowland, J. H. B., 238 


Oakes, Mansur B., 183 

Officers and Organizations, First 
Church, 183, 184 

Olive Street Church, 52 

Organization of First Presbyterian 
Church, 303, 382, 400 

Osborn, Laura, 303 


Parish House Committee, 119 
Parker, Rev. John W., 180 
Pattison, Joseph H., 178, 183, 424 
Pattison, Mrs. Sarah J., 66 
Phipps, Isaac, 212, 243 
Presbyterian Church in Indiana 
(History of) by Rev. Jno. M. 
Dickey, 377 
Proctor, Rev. David C., 186, 2638, 
303, 305 


Raikes, Robert, 77 

Ray, Rev. Edwin, 247 

Ray, James M., 45, 81, 85, 96, 130, 
206, 209, 227, 362 

Ray, Mrs. James M., (Maria Coe) 
86, 371 

Raymond, Rev. Charles, 52 

Reed, Rev. Isaac, 18, 187, 263, 264, 
303, 306, 397 

Reed, Rev. Myron W., 40, 167 

Riggs, Dr. Elias, 86 

Roache, Addison L., 199, 279 

Roache, Mrs. Addison L., 67 

Roberts Chapel S. S., 213 

Ross, Dr. David, 57, 97, 120, 164 

Ross, Mrs. David, 426 

Rucker, Alva J., 183 

Ruddell, Almus G., 73, 74, 120, 183 


Sabbath School Superintendents, 
First Church, 426 


INDEX 


Sabbath School, First Church 
(ABT2),aoe 

Sabbath School Organization, 
State, 213 

Sabbath School, Origin of 1st Ch., 
206, 237 

S. S. Society, Indianapolis, 213, 261 

St. Louis, First Pres. Church, 793 

Sayer, Miss Florence, 59 

Scudder, Caleb, 45, 51, 124, 205, 
303, 304 

Scudder, Mary, 303 

Second Presbyterian Church, 50, 
190, 269 

Second Presbyterian Sunday 
School, 213 

Session, Minutes of First Church 
(1823—1831), 303 to 376 

Seventh Presbyterian Church, 52, 
200, 279 

Sewing Circle, Letter from Ladies 
of, 417 

Sharpe, Ebenezer, 23, 60, 80, 84, 126, 
127, 191, 204, 256, 316, 319, 335, 
343, 408 

Sharpe, II, Ebenezer, 51, 148, 284 

Sharpe, Thomas H., 39, 1386, 195, 
199, 271, 279 

Sharpe, Mrs. Thomas H., 38, 65 

Sheets, William, 137, 192, 197, 199 

Sherwin, D.D., Rev. Louis W., 10, 
180 

Sickels, Miss Anna, 65, 183 

Sickels, Flenry C., 65, 75, 159 

Sickels, Sr., Rev. William, 54, 71, 
352 

Sickels Sr., Mrs. William, 
Coe), 65, 212, 242, 318, 374 

Smith, D. D., Rev. George M., 102 

Smith, D. D., Rev. Matthew F., 17, 
103, 105, 120, 181 

Smith, Mrs. Matthew F., 115, 182 

Speers, Henry A. O., 183 

Stevenson, Jr., McCrea, 95 

Stewart, Miss Mattie, 66 

Stowell, Myron A., 142 

Sutherland, Miss Mira, 58 

Sutherland Presbyterian Ch., 53 


(Alma 


Taylor, D. D., Rev. Frederick E., 
102, 104 

Third Presbyterian Church, 51, 
196, 272 

Thompson, Charles N., 119, 120 

Thompson, Mrs. Charles N., 97 


445 


Thompson, Mrs. Mary A., 167 
Treasurers, List of Ist Ch., 426 
Troub Memorial Church, 52 
Trustees, List of, 183, 425 


Union Sunday School, 96, 205 to 
213, 224 to 254, 261, 283, opp. 362 

Union Sunday School (First call 
to) 208, 233 


Van Hook, Mrs. Loretta C.,, 111 
Vinnedge J. Albert, 284 
Vinton, Merrick E., 425, 426 


Wabash College, 61 

Walker, Leverett B., 146 

Walker, Rev. L. Faye, 281 

Walpole, Margaret, 303 

Washington Township Church, 49, 
68 

Weer, Dr. H. H., 183 

Weir. Leander L., 183 

Wesley M. E. Sunday School, 212 

Westminster Guild, 115 

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 
52 

Wick, Judge William W., opp. 302 

Wick, Mrs. William W., (Laura 
Finch), 303, 304 

Wild, John F., 164, 178, 423 

Williams, Charles N., 120, 426 

Williams, Irving, 93, 120 

Williamson, Wm. C., 183 

Wilson, Alma Winston, 87 

Wilson, Medford B., 178 

Wilson, William B., 149 

Winders, D. D., Rev. Charles H., 
36 

Wishard, Miss Elizabeth M., 52, 82 

Wishard, Dr. William H., 47, 48, 
Tipuses 

Wishard, Dr. William N., 13, 121, 
162 

Wishard, Mrs. William N., 120 

Wishart, D. D., Rev. Charles F., 
40,2102) 105 

Woollen, Evans, 13, 166, 178 

Woollen, Mrs. William Watson, 13, 
490 BT Osurl 1 


Yandes, Ann, 304 

Yandes, Daniel, 186, 190, 212, 264, 
269, 309, 415 

Yandes, George, 416 

Yandes, Simon, 47, 373, 416 

Young, William G., 165 

Young, Mrs. William G., 183 


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